[The inhibitory effect of alkyl-aryl-sulfonate on the swarming of proteus bacteria]

Tests were carried out on 16 strains of Proteus to determine the smallest amount of alkylarylsulfone that prevents complete swarming of the bacteria, restricting it to band only 1-2 mm wide. This was achieved by adding 0.0075% of detergent to Gassner's medium. The result was easily visible on the surface of inoculated plates. It was also shown that this inhibitory effect on the flagellar apparatus of Proteus and also Salmonella was purely temporary being due to a reversible reduction of this apparatus.