ANTHRAX BACILLUS 



165 



and i percent corrosive sublimate (aqueous) for three days. They 

 also resist formaldehyde and sulphur for a long time, and withstand 

 light. A 2 percent fresh solution of H 2 O 2 kills spores in three 

 hours. Three and one-half hours' exposure to bright sunlight killed 

 the spores if oxygen was not excluded. (Dieudonne*.) (Fig. 55.) 



FIG. 55. Anthrax bacilli growing in a chain and exhibiting spores. (Kolle and 



Wassermann.) 



Sporulation Phenomena. At 12 C. spores are formed if 

 oxygen is present. The most favorable temperature for sporula- 

 tion is that of the body (37 C.). Spores are never found in the 

 bodies of living or dead animals if they remain unopened, and 

 oxygen is excluded. If bacilli are cultivated at 42 C. for a long 

 time and frequently reinoculated, on fresh media, the ability to 

 form spores is lost even if grown again at 30 C. (Phisalix). If 

 cultivated upon media containing carbolic acid and hydrochloric 

 acid, the ability to sporulate may be lost. 



Chemical Activities. Acetic acid is formed, as is H 2 S. Lique- 

 fying, milk coagulating, and milk digesting enzymes are formed. 

 Toxins have not been isolated, but may be produced. 



Habitat. Only found where infected animals, hides, and hair 



