[The tenacity of bacteria in the airborne state. VI. Tenacity of airborne S. senftenberg].

The tenacity of airborne S. senftenberg 0:19 (heat resistant reference type W 775) was tested at different climatic conditions (21-40 degrees C and 15-85% relative humidity). The investigations were performed simultaneously in a static and a rotating aerosol chamber. The measured viability of the the germs was expressed as death rate beta biol and half life time t/2. The tenacity of the Salmonellae was highest at 85% humidity and 22 degrees C (optimum greater than 6 h t/2). Increasing temperature diminished the tenacity (minimum 6 min t/2 at 40 degrees C and 85% relative humidity). Low humidity also reduced the viability (maximum 53.7 min t/2 at 15% relative humidity and 28 degrees C. The results showed the same trend in the static and the rotating aerosol chamber. Therefore at standardized investigation modus a comparability of the measured values may be allowed. Because the airborne tenacity of the Salmonellae could be ascertained, the airborne route of transmission and infection has to be included into the epidemiology of the Salmonellae.