Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biofilms
09:03

Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biofilms

Published on: February 15, 2012

THE SURVIVAL OF THE TUBERCLE BACILLUS IN SUSPENSION IN PHYSIOLOGICAL SALT SOLUTION

R E Shope1

  • 1Department of Animal Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tubercle bacilli suspensions remained virulent for guinea pigs after long-term refrigeration. Refrigerated cultures maintained significant virulence for over 300 days, indicating potential for extended storage of infectious agents.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Understanding the viability and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial for disease control and research.
  • Refrigeration is a common method for preserving biological samples, but its effect on tubercle bacilli virulence requires specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the duration of virulence for tubercle bacilli stored at refrigerator temperatures.
  • To assess the impact of prolonged refrigeration on the infectious potential of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of tubercle bacilli suspensions in physiological salt solution.
  • Inoculation of guinea pigs with refrigerated bacterial suspensions.
  • Monitoring of virulence in infected guinea pigs over extended periods.

Main Results:

  • Three tubercle bacilli suspensions remained virulent for guinea pigs after 310, 325, and 330 days of refrigeration.
  • One culture showed minimal loss of virulence after 325 days at refrigerator temperature.

Conclusions:

  • Tubercle bacilli can retain virulence for extended periods (over 300 days) when stored at refrigerator temperatures.
  • Refrigeration is a viable method for preserving the virulence of tubercle bacilli for research purposes.

More Related Videos

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens13:47

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens

Published on: May 19, 2020

Enrichment of Native and Recombinant Extracellular Vesicles of Mycobacteria06:38

Enrichment of Native and Recombinant Extracellular Vesicles of Mycobacteria

Published on: December 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...