Hyaluronidase-producing microorganisms from human saliva

1. 1. A method has been described to test hyaluronidase activity of saliva. 2. 2. Hyaluronidase-producing microorganisms have been isolated from 60 saliva samples. The predominant enzyme producer, an alpha hemolytic streptococcus, occuring in 55 per cent of the cases, was identified as Strepto-coccus mitis. Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus was isolated from 18 per cent of the samples. Alpha and beta hemolytic streptococci of Lancefield groups A and K occurred in 11 per cent of the cases. 3. 3. Upper respiratory and dental diseases caused a marked increase in salivary hyaluronidase titer.