Effect of Anaerobiosis on the Emergence of Streptomycin-Resistant Bacteria

This paper deals with the increase in numbers of streptomycin-resistant mutants of V. comma and E. coli B in a so-called streptomycin-sensitive population, when grown under anaerobic conditions. This increase is demonstrated in presence and even in absence of SM. Experiments of a qualitative and quantitative nature are described and a statistical evaluation of the results is given. A relation between the degree of anaerobiosis and SM resistance is demonstrated and the time required for streptomycin resistance to become apparent is shown.Former observations of SM inactivation under anaerobic conditions are discussed in view of the present findings, and a different interpretation suggested.