Inhibition of Swarming in Proteus spp. by Tannic Acid |
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| Authors: | D G SMITH |
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| Institution: | Department of Botany and Microbiology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WCIE 6BT, England |
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| Abstract: | Swarming in all 27 strains of Proteus spp. tested was inhibited by the presence of 0.02% (w/v) tannic acid in the nutrient medium. Cells from colonies on this medium were nearly all short forms but were motile and piliated. The swarm-inhibition effect was not reversed by the addition of calcium chloride. The growth of other bacterial species was inhibited to varying extents by tannic acid: Gram positive cocci ( Micrococcus, Sarcina , and Staphylococcus spp.) were particularly sensitive. The relative resistance of Gram negative bacteria and the swarm-inhibition of Proteus spp. could be due to binding of tannic acid to proteins in the outer membrane of the cell wall. |
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