Bacillus polymyxa bacteriophages from Brazilian soils

Ten phages of Bacillus polymyxa were isolated from four different Brazilian soils. All were dsDNA-containing phages belonging to Bradley types A and B. Data obtained from electron microscopy and tests of resistance against physical and chemical agents showed that the isolates could be distributed among six different groups. Host range data were in agreement with this classification. When tested against 88 strains of 18 Bacillus species, these phages only infected B. polymyxa strains, thus revealing specificity for this species. Three phage groups lysed all 42 available B. polymyxa strains and are suggested for use in rapid identification of this species.This work was sponsored by the National Research Council of Brasil (CNPq) and CAPES.     

Adiaspiromycosis in Czechoslovakian mammals

The examination of 46 mammalian species in Czechoslovakia revealed adiaspiromycosis caused by the Emmonsia crescens in 22 species of free living animals; E. parva was the etiological agent in 3 species. The disease was most frequently found in carnivores of the family Mustelidae.     

Use of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter for biodegradation of oil-contaminated soils

The rate of self-purification of oil-contaminated soil increases after introduction of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter. The bacteria can assimilate oil hydrocarbons as the sole source of carbon and energy, both in the presence of fixed nitrogen and during nitrogen fixation. The species Azotobacter chroococcum activates growth of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria present in Devoroil.