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International Journal of Medical Sciences 
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Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(4):303-315. doi:10.7150/ijbs.6.303 Research Paper Survival of Escherichia coli under lethal heat stress by L-form conversion Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Transition of bacteria to cell wall deficient L-forms in response to stress factors has been assumed as a potential mechanism for survival of microbes under unfavorable conditions. In this article, we provide evidence of paradoxal survival through L-form conversion of E. coli high cell density population after lethal treatments (boiling or autoclaving). Light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated conversion from classical rod to polymorphic L-form shape morphology and atypical growths of E. coli. Microcrystal formations observed at this stage were interpreted as being closely linked to the processes of L-form conversion and probably involved in the general phenomenon of protection against lethal environment. Identity of the morphologically modified L-forms as E. coli was verified by species specific DNA-based test. Our study might contribute to a better understanding of the L-form phenomenon and its importance for bacterial survival, as well as provoke reexamination of the traditional view of killing strategies against bacteria. Keywords: E. coli, lethal heat stress, L-form conversion How
to cite this article:
Markova N, Slavchev G, Michailova L, Jourdanova M. Survival of Escherichia coli under lethal heat stress by L-form conversion. Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(4):303-315. Available from http://www.biolsci.org/v06p0303.htm |