Lysozymes have primarily a bacteriolytic function; those in tissues and body fluids are associated with the monocyte-macrophage system and enhance the activity of immunoagents. Active against E.coli and M.luteus. Hydrolysis of (1->4)-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrins. Expressed within 6 hours after induction, reaches maximum levels after 48 hours and declines after 72 hours after induction. By bacterial infection. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 22 family.