Viability of Pathogenic Staphylococci and Streptococci in Air and on Objects in the Environment,
Abstract
The duration of time during which hemolytic staphylococci and streptococci retained viability in the aerosol state will depend not only on the temperature and humidity conditions of the ambient air, but also on the nature of the fluid used to prepare their suspensions. Hemolytic staphylococci in an aerosol made up of distilled water with 5% serum will remain viable for 8 days, while under these same conditions hemolytic streptococci are observed in the air only for 3 days. The maximum periods of viability for staphylococci (8 days) and streptococci (3 days) in air and the retention of biological activity by them (6 days and 24 h, respectively) are recorded at a temperature of 14-16 degrees and moderate indices of relative humidity (45-60%). Staphylococci seeded on objects in the form of dust aerosols survive longer under conditions of darkness (from 37 to 212 days). Streptococci seeded on objects in the drop aerosol form are retained in darkness for 4-12 days. Hemolytic staphylococci are retained in the aerosol state and on objects in the environment for a substantially longer period than hemolytic streptococci.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764926
Entities
People
- V. A. Yaroshenko
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center