[Comparative cytologic studies on the effect of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on bacterial cells].

Growing cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium show after treatment with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) typical concentration-dependent alterations of envelope. In Ps. aeruginosa low doses of the detergent cause perforations and lesions of the cytoplasmic membrane, by 0.016% CTAB the formation of extracellular vesicles of the outer membrane ("blebs") and the intracellular assembly of lamellar structures can be detected. These intracellular lamellar structures are artifacts of the cytoplasmic membrane after detergent application. In this case the conglomeration of bacterial cells can be demonstrated with the scanning electron microscope. The results are discussed in connection with the use of CTAB in inactivation and permeabilization of bacteria.