LYSOZYME ACTIVITY IN THE CELOMIC FLUID AND CELOMOCYTES OF THE EARTHWORM EISENIA-FOETIDA SAV IN RELATION TO BACTERIAL-INFECTION

Coelomic fluid and extracts of coelomocytes of E. foetida contain a substance resembling lysozyme in addition to the heat-sensitive bacteriolytic substance first described by Roch. Although activity levels in fluid are normally low the enzyme may be released from coelomocytes as part of an internal defense mechanism against particular species encountered in the environment. Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Aeromonas hydrophila and Serratia marcescens all grew in cell-free coelomic fluid. Vaccination with formalized M. lysodeikticus enhanced activity levels in coelomic fluid probably as a result of release from coelomocytes.