Growth of Legionella pneumophila in continuous culture.
A method was developed to grow Legionella pneumophila in continuous culture. A chemostat was used to simulate nutrient-limited, submaximal growth in the natural environmental and to provide a precisely controlled growth regimen. Cultures grew under forced aeration under conditions yielding up to 38% saturation of dissolved oxygen; supplemental CO2 (5%) at the same gas flow rates as ambient air had no effect on culture growth. Pleomorphism was observed during growth under all conditions. Pigment was produced only at D less than 0.03 h-1. Catalase was produced at higher growth rates but not at higher temperatures. The pathogenicity was unaffected by altering either the growth rate or the growth temperature.
D002374:Catalase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003470:Culture Media; D007875:Legionella / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013696:Temperature
D003470:Culture Media; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D002374:Catalase; D010100:Oxygen