Effect of desferal (desferrioxamine) on the growth on streptococcus pyogenes group A

The effect of desferal (desferrioxamine) on the growth of streptococcus-pyogenes group a and staphylococcus aureus was investigated. a large molar excess of desferal over fe in the medium had no effect on the strains of streptococcus pyogenes group a. staphylococcus aureus was inhibited at 20:1 molar excess of desferal over fe suggesting bactericidal effect. all strains of streptococcus pyogenes group a were unaffected by 20:1 molar excess desferal suggesting that streptococcus pyogenes group a was insensitive to even large molar excess of desferal and absence of siderophore production suggested either iron-independent growth or extraordinary efficient fe acquisition or low fe requirement as compared to staphylococcus aureus.