STUDIES ON THE NUTRITION AND PHYSIOLOGY OFPASTEURELLA PESTIS

Abstract

An improved growth medium containing a partial acid hydroly-zate of casein, salts, and a carbohydrate is capable of supporting 50-100 x 109 viable cells/ml upon incubation at 27 C. D-xylose and D-mannitol were each useful as a carbohydrate substrate in the medium, but glucose may be used only under special conditions because of accumulation of inhibitory quantities of organic acids. Optimal concentrations of both organic and inorganic components of the medium were established and the medium was adequate for good growth of all strains. For culturing at 37 C, the medium is supplemented with glycine and B vitamins, and the Mg++ concentration increased. Yields at 37 C were in the range of 20-30 x 109 cells/ml.