On the Growth and Survival of Clostridium septicum in Soil

Summary Clostridium septicum was inoculated into soils treated in different ways and samples were removed periodically for microbial analyses by one or more of the following methods: plate counts, fluorescent antibody staining, dehydrogenase activity and manometric techniques. Mass sporulation of the vegetative cells was not triggered initially when inoculated into amended soils. Moreover, the vegetative forms persisted in both sterile and unsterile soils for up to 30 days in incubated samples. Glucose, pyruvate, peptone and manure enhanced the growth and metabolic activity of Cl. septicum in soil. Wyoming bentonite tended to decrease dehydrogenase activity whereas Georgia kaolinite had no detectable effect. The significance of organic matter addition and type of clay mineral on the ecology of Cl. septicum is discussed.