Autolysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Relation between mechanical stability and viability.
The relationship between the mechanical stability and the viability of N. gonorrhoeae (Type 4) in suspension was investigated. A correlation between viability and optical density recordings was often found. However, in spite of increased mechanical stability in solutions with low pH (5-2) or containing Cu++ or sucrose (10 per cent.), these environments were toxic to the gonococci. A viability preserving effect by Mg++ (4 mM), Ca++ (4 mM), spermine (0-5 mM), polyvinylpyrrolidone (10 per cent.), and low temperature (4 degrees C) was demonstrated. The possibility of improving transport media for gonococci is discussed.
Autolysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Relation between mechanical stability and viability. The relationship between the mechanical stability and the viability of N. gonorrhoeae (Type 4) in suspension was investigated. A correlation between viability and optical density recordings was often found. However, in spite of increased mechanical stability in solutions with low pH (5-2) or containing Cu++ or sucrose (10 per cent.), these environments were toxic to the gonococci. A viability preserving effect by Mg++ (4 mM), Ca++ (4 mM), spermine (0-5 mM), polyvinylpyrrolidone (10 per cent.), and low temperature (4 degrees C) was demonstrated. The possibility of improving transport media for gonococci is discussed.