THE EFFECT OF A COMPONENT OF TEA (CAMELLIA-SINENSIS) ON METHICILLIN RESISTANCE, PBP2' SYNTHESIS, AND BETA-LACTAMASE PRODUCTION IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS

Extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis) can reverse methicillin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and also, to so me extent, penicillin resistance in beta-lactamase-producing S. aureus . These phenomena are explained by prevention of PBP2' synthesis and i nhibition of secretion of P-lactamase, respectively. Synergy between b eta-lactams and tea extracts were demonstrated by disc diffusion, cheq uerboard titration and growth curves. Partition chromatography of an e xtract of green tea on Sephadex LH-20 yielded several fractions, one o f which contained a virtually pure compound that showed the above-ment ioned activities, at concentrations above about 2 mg/L. The observed a ctivities are novel and distinct from the previously reported direct a ntibacterial activity of tea extracts. Prevention of PBP2' synthesis o ffers an interesting possible new approach for the treatment of infect ions caused by MRSA.