Staphylococcus aureus beta toxin is a toxin produced byStaphylococcus aureus.[1] It is a form ofsphingomyelinase[2] called sphingomyelinase C. This enzyme is toxic to a variety of cells, includingerythrocytes,fibroblasts,leukocytes, andmacrophages. Susceptible cells are subject tolysis of exposedsphingomyelin on their membrane surfaces.[3]
The beta toxin exhibits maximum activity at 10 °C, at 37 °C (normal body temperature) seems to be inactive.[citation needed]
