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Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(4):303-315. doi:10.7150/ijbs.6.303 This issue Cite

Research Paper

Survival of Escherichia coli under lethal heat stress by L-form conversion

Nadya Markova^✉, Georgi Slavchev, Lilia Michailova, Mimi Jourdanova

Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Nadya Markova, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. 26, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria, Tel: (+359 2) 9793168 ; Fax: (+359 2) 870-01-09; E-mail: nadya.markovacom

Abstract

Transition of bacteria to cell wall deficient L-forms in response to stress factors has been assumed as a potential mechanism for survival of microbes under unfavorable conditions. In this article, we provide evidence of paradoxal survival through L-form conversion of E. coli high cell density population after lethal treatments (boiling or autoclaving). Light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated conversion from classical rod to polymorphic L-form shape morphology and atypical growths of E. coli. Microcrystal formations observed at this stage were interpreted as being closely linked to the processes of L-form conversion and probably involved in the general phenomenon of protection against lethal environment. Identity of the morphologically modified L-forms as E. coli was verified by species specific DNA-based test. Our study might contribute to a better understanding of the L-form phenomenon and its importance for bacterial survival, as well as provoke reexamination of the traditional view of killing strategies against bacteria.

Keywords: E. coli, lethal heat stress, L-form conversion

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