CHANGES IN THE SURFACE CARBOHYDRATE-COMPOSITION AND EXPOSURE OF ANIONIC GROUPS CAUSED BY BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS IN STREPTOCOCCI

Upon the addition of beta-lactam antibiotics at concentrations that ca used a 50% reduction in the dry weight, beta-haemolytic streptococci p roduced increased amount of rhamnose, though the hexosamine content re mained unchanged. These sugars are components of C-carbohydrate. Siali c acid content also increased in group B streptococcal surfaces and pe nicillin treatment generated new accessible surface sialic acid residu es.