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The Effect of Relative Humidity on the Survival of Three Serotypes of Klebsiella
Author(s) -
Turner A. G.,
Salmonsen Patricia A.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of applied bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 0021-8847
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1973.tb04132.x
Subject(s) - serotype , klebsiella , relative humidity , microbiology and biotechnology , humidity , biology , toxicology , geography , escherichia coli , biochemistry , meteorology , gene
S ummary . Any factor which enhances the survival of human pathogens in the hospital environment can result in increased exposure of the patient to such pathogens and perhaps contribute to an increase in patient infections. Klebsiella serotypes 3, 9 and 69 were exposed on glass to relative humidities (R.H.) of 11, 33, 53 and 85%. Death rates for all serotypes, at a constant 25°, could be correlated with the amount of moisture in the air. Prolonged survival was demonstrated at 11 and 33% R.H. with an increased death rate at 53 and 85%. The implications of this phenomenon are discussed.