Properties of Bacillus anthracis spores prepared under various environmental conditions

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis makes highly stable, heat-resistant spores which remain viable for decades. Effect of various stress conditions on sporulation in B. anthracis was studied in nutrient-deprived and sporulation medium adjusted to various pH and temperatures. The results revealed that sporulation efficiency was dependent on conditions prevailing during sporulation. Sporulation occurred earlier in culture sporulating at alkaline pH or in PBS than control. Spores formed in PBS were highly sensitive towards spore denaturants whereas, those formed at 45 degrees C were highly resistant. The decimal reduction time (D-10 time) of the spores formed at 45 degrees C by wet heat, 2 M HCl, 2 M NaOH and 2 M H(2)O(2) was higher than the respective D-10 time for the spores formed in PBS. The dipicolinic acid (DPA) content and germination efficiency was highest in spores formed at 45 degrees C. Since DPA is related to spore sensitivity towards heat and chemicals, the increased DPA content of spores prepared at 45 degrees C may be responsible for increased resistance to wet heat and other denaturants. The size of spores formed at 45 degrees C was smallest amongst all. The study reveals that temperature, pH and nutrient availability during sporulation affect properties of B. anthracis spores.