Search

Antibiotic discs were prepared, using several several batches of papers meeting Food and Drug Administration specifications. The analysis of 1,152 zones of inhibition produced showed no performance differences among these batches. Other discs were prepared using papers of different grades. These produced large differences in performance. It is obvious, therefore, that the use of a specified disc paper is necessary for standardizing the performances of the products of various manufacturers and that reproducible results can be attained with the grade of paper specified.

Modified paper chromatography procedures for the analysis of fatty acids produced by anaerobic bacteria are described. Both ethylamine and hydroxylamine derivatives of fatty acids were prepared from inoculated anaerobic culture broth. The derivatives were spotted on chromatography paper and developed with appropriate solvents. Paper chromatography is a valuable alternative to gas liquid chromatography as an ancillary procedure in the identification of anaerobic bacteria in the clinical bacteriology laboratory.

Microbial penetration of sterile packs was studied using single-wrap (two layers) muslin, double-wrap (four layers) muslin, and two-way crepe paper (single layer) to wrap 20 gauze sponges (2 by 2 inch). These packs were stored in the central sterile supply departments of two hospitals and processed for sterility at predetermined intervals. Microorganisms penetrated single-wrap muslin as early as 3 days and double-wrap muslin and single-wrap two-way crepe paper in 21 to 28 days stored in open shelves. The time required for microbial penetration was at least twice as long when closed cabinets were used. Single-wrap muslin packs stored in sealed, impervious plastic bags remained sterile for at least 9 months. All sterile materials in pervious wrappers should be handled as little as possible and then only with extreme care and caution. Closed cabinets offer more protection than open shelves, and single wrappers are not recommended.

Ikawa, Miyoshi (University of New Hampshire, Durham), James W. Morrow, and Sheila J. Harney. Paper chromatographic system for the identification of glycerol in bacterial cell walls. J. Bacteriol. 92:812-814. 1966.-The solvent system consisting of isopropanol-5% boric acid (7:1, v/v) separates glycerol from the other carbohydrate constituents which are found in hydrolysates of bacterial cell walls. This system is useful for the identification of glycerol even when anhydroribitol and rhamnose are both present, and has been found to be applicable on cell wall hydrolysates as well as on synthetic mixtures.