Effect of peptide AS-48 on Enterococcus faecalis subsp. liquefaciens S-47.

The enterococcal peptide AS-48 exerts a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect on Enterococcus faecalis subsp. liquefaciens S-47; cell rescue by cardiolipin and trypsin can be effected only in the first few minutes after antibiotic addition. Gramicidin-exposed cells are protected from killing by AS-48. Long-term and pulse incorporation of radiolabeled substrates into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable material, O2 consumption, and the ability to maintain intracellular potassium levels are impaired shortly after addition of AS-48.