EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE SURVIVAL OF DIPHTHERIA BACILLI IN AN AEROSOL
Abstract
The study of bacterial aerosols is of general interest, since microorganisms sprayed in the air are a model of the main link in the aerial mechanism of transmission of infection. The main test, characterizing the state of microflora in the air, is the survival of microorganisms. A formula was developed for the calculation of the survival rate in polydispersed aerosols, excluding the influence of sedimentation of particles on the end result; the limits of its application were determined. A considerable sensitivity of the diphtheria bacillus to changes of temperature was revealed. At a temperature below zero the causative agent dies off very slowly, but at a temperature of 35 deg C its survival rate is reduced sharply; at a temperature of 18 deg C the survival rate of the diphtheria bacillus occupies an intermediate position. By inhibiting evaporation, saliva and broth protect the microorganisms from desiccation for a certain time. This explains the high survival rate of the diphtheria causative agent in the first 45 minutes of existence of an aerosol.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0688744
Entities
People
- V. P. Zhalko-titarenko
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories