Article contents
The influence of temperature and humidity on spore formation and germination in Bacillus anthracis
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 May 2009
Extract
Experiments performed on spore formation in B. anthracis, in a wide range of closed atmospheres of chemically controlled humidity, showed that the sporing time of B. anthracis is prolonged considerably as the humidity decreases, both at 26 and 37° C. The effect is less noticeable at the lower temperature.
Experiments performed on spore germination in the same organism showed that a temperature range of 20–44° C. permitted germination of the five strains tested. Above a temperature of 39° C. and below 30° C. germination time lengthened considerably.
Experiments performed on the influence of humidity on spore germination, both at 26 and 37° C. showed that no germination could take place at a relative humidity of 80% or below. Germination time was considerably prolonged when the humidity value fell below 100%.
This work formed part of a thesis for the degree of M.D. in Bristol University. I wish to thank Dr G. S. Wilson for his advice in preparing this paper.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1960
References
REFERENCES
- 9
- Cited by