Study of morphological properties of Bacillus anthracis duringlongterm storage

Many specialists in the field of biological and veterinary sciences use pure crops for work in fundamental and applied areas. The degree of purity of crops can be influenced by various factors, including violation of storage conditions. Despite the wide range of methods for the conservation of microorganisms, lyophilization and low-temperature preservation are relevant and universal for reproduction in laboratory conditions. In this regard, the department of the State Collection of Microorganisms carried out the selection of optimal methods and conditions suitable for the preservation of the strains of interest and their properties for a long time. The purpose of this work is to clarify the morphological aspect of the question of the influence of various conservation conditions on the biological properties of Bacillus anthracis vegetative and spore forms under long–term storage conditions: the ability to germinate, spore formation and morphological characteristics. A precipitated suspension of Bacillus anthracis bacterial cells of vegetative and spore forms was used as an object of research. To carry out a morphological study, B. anthracis samples were prepared using the method of ultrathin sections, contrasted and viewed under an electron beam on a transmission electron microscope. Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel and Statistica 6.0 programs. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney test was used, followed by correction using the Bonferroni method. According to the results of the research, it was found that the bacteria of all groups retained the ability to germinate and sporulate. The morphology of Bacillus anthracis in the State Collection of Strains generally corresponds to the data given in the literature, and storage conditions did not significantly affect these characteristics.

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