Science Inventory

Bacillus thuringiensis as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis in aerosol research

Citation:

Tufts, J., W. Calfee, S. Lee, AND S. Ryan. Bacillus thuringiensis as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis in aerosol research. WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY. Springer, New York, NY, 30(5):1453-1461, (2014).

Impact/Purpose:

Characterization of candidate surrogate spores prior to experimental use is critical to confirm that the surrogate characteristics are as closely similar as possible to those of the pathogenic agent of interest. This review compares the physical properties inherent to spores of Bacillus anthracis (Ba) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that impact their movement in air and interaction with surfaces, including size, shape, density, surface morphology, structure and hydrophobicity. Also evaluated was the impact of irradiation on the physical properties of both Bacillus species.