EFFECTS OF OXYGEN ON AEROSOLIZED SERRATIA MARCESCENS
Abstract
Suspensions of Serratia marcescens (ATCC strain 14041) in water were aerosolized in a rotating drum in the presence of various concentrations of oxygen. Colony-forming ability of aerosolized organisms was rapidly destroyed by contact with 0.25% or more oxygen at 40% relative humidity and 25 C, but was almost unimpaired for at least 5 hours in nitrogen containing not more than 10 ppm oxygen. Completely hydrated organisms were insensitive to oxygen at pressures up to 100 pounds per square inch for four hours. No loss in viability occurred in aerosols of washed cells in air at 97% relative humidity. It is proposed that dehydration of the aerosolized cell results in sensitization to lethal effects of oxygen but is not the primary cause of death. Mn(++), Co (++), glycerol, and thiourea enhanced the biological stability of aerosols in air. Numerous similarities between the effects of oxygen in this system and in systems using lyophilized or irradiated organisms or cell-free enzymes support the hypothesis that closely related mechanisms are involved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0464688
Entities
People
- George E. Hess
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories