[Modification of the radiosensitivity of bacteria by glutaraldehyde]

A study was made of the combined effect of ionizing radiation and various concentrations of glutaric aldehyde (0.00125, 0.0025, 0.5, and 1 per cent) on viability of bacteria differing in a cell wall structure, radiosensitivity, and activity of DNA repair system. The combined effect of the two factors was shown to produce an effect of superadditive enhancement of bacterial cell death. The synergism was more pronounced in highly radiosensitive bacteria.