Inactivation of Bacillus Anthracis Spores Delivered as Liquid Suspension or Aerosol to Self-Decontaminating Fabric
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Military fabric amended with an antimicrobial compound could reduce the viability of biological agents that could be encountered during operations in contaminated environments. In this study, military fabric treated with a chlorine-based compound was evaluated for activity against the Bacillus anthracis spore delivered as an aerosol or a liquid suspension. METHODS: Military fabric samples with and without antimicrobial treatment were inoculated with B. anthracis spores from an aqueous suspension and incubated in an exposure chamber under controlled relative humidity (RH) and temperature. In addition, a stream of aerosolized B. anthracis spores was delivered to fabric samples under controlled conditions. After specified time intervals of exposure in the chamber or the aerosol system, spores were eluted from fabric samples and enumerated by cultivation on Nutrient Agar and direct microscopic count. Efficacy of the chlorine-based compound was assessed by comparing cultivable percentages of spores eluted from the treated fabric to cultivable percentages of spores eluted from untreated fabrics or treated fabrics at the initial exposure time. CONCLUSIONS: B. anthracis spores can be killed during contact with military fabric amended with a chlorine-based compound. However, temperature and relative humidity are factors in the degree of inactivation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA457612
Entities
People
- Amber Prugh
- Jon J. Calomiris
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory