Radiation sensitivity of Haemophilus influenzae: a composite response.

The survival of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated cultures of Haemophilus influenzae Rd is determined by at least two responses: (i) excision-repair ability and (ii) UV-induced cell lysis. An UV-resistant mutant, BC200, has the same capabilities as the wild type, Rd, for excising dimers but does not exhibit lysis. Lytic response is dose-dependent. Relative to the wild type, a lower dose of UV causes lysis of a UV-sensitive mutant, BC100, which is incapable of excising thymine dimers. A lytic protein is present in cultures undergoing lysis. Synthesis of this protein is initiated 45 to 60 min after irradiation. Lysis appears to be due to derepression of a defective prophage which codes for an endolysin-like lytic enzyme.