Autolysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Relation between mechanical stability and viability

Abstract

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%), these environments were toxic to the gonococci. A viability preserving effect by Mg++ (4mM), Ca++ (4mM), spermine (0.5mM), polyvinylpyrrolidone (10%), and low temperature (4°C) was demonstrated. The possibility of improving transport media for gonococci is discussed.