Incorporating Germination-Induction into Decontamination Strategies for Bacterial Spores
Abstract
Bacterial spores resist environmental extremes and protect key spore macromolecules until more supportive conditions arise. Spores germinate upon sensing specific molecules, such as nutrients. Germination is regulated by specialized mechanisms or structural features of the spore that limit contact with germinants and enzymes that regulate germination. Importantly, germination renders spores more susceptible to inactivating processes such as heat, desiccation, and ultraviolet radiation, to which they are normally refractory. Thus, germination can be intentionally induced through a process called germinationinduction and subsequent treatment of these germinated spores with common disinfectants or gentle heat will inactivate them. However, while the principle of germinationinduction has been shown effective in the laboratory, this strategy has not yet been fully implemented in realword scenarios. Here, we briefly review the mechanisms of bacterial spore germination and discuss the evolution of germinationinduction as a decontamination strategy. Finally, we examine progress towards implementing germinationinduction in three contexts: biodefense, hospital settings and food manufacture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 04, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1035799
Entities
People
- Avery V. Quirk
- Christopher K Cote
- Lara J Kohler
- Susan L. Welkos
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases