Persistence of Pseudomonas pseudomallei in soil

Abstract

50 P. pseudomallei survived for up to 30 months in soil samples taken from a sheep paddock, stored in plastic collection bags on a shaded shelf in a laboratory and kept at ambient temperature (13-33 deg C). The average time for survival under these conditions would be about 6 months (7 of the 15 soil tests were positive after this time). Moister soils contained a greater number of organisms per gram of soil than drier ones.

ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT: Larger numbers of P. pseudomallei were found in moist soils than in dry soils. The bacteria survived in soil in collection bags kept in the shade at ambient temperatures for up to 30 months although the average survival time was 6 months.