[Activity of microorganisms decomposing cholesterol].

The rates of cholesterol decomposition was compared among cell suspensions of different microorganisms. Fifty seven cultures were studied: 2 strains of actinomycetes, 23 strains of proactinomycetes, 22 strains of mycobacteria, and 10 strains of bacteria. During four hours of incubation, 11 strains virtually did not decompose cholesterol at all, 10 strains decomposed it by up to 20 per cent, 21 strains by 20 to 70 per cent, and 15 strains by 70 to 100 per cent.

[Decomposition of cholesterol by Achromobacter candicans].

The decomposition of cholesterol by the cell suspensions of Achromobacter candicans 42 and by the cell-free extracts of this bacterium was studied. The decomposition of cholesterol in the presence of the wet biomass during four hours of the incubation was 72.5 percent, and with the cells that were preliminarily lyophilized or treated by acetone 49.