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The influence of temperature and humidity on spore formation and germination in Bacillus anthracis

1960; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 58; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0022172400038250

2396-8184

David G. Davies,

Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies

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.