[Influence of increased partial argon and nitrogen pressure on the R-plasmid Escherichia coli transfer frequency].

ABSTRACT

Subject of the study was frequency of transfer of bacterial plasmids determining the antibiotic resistance (R-plasmid) in argon-containing gas mixtures. Investigated were reference strains of Escherichia coli K-12. Conjugation took place during incubation in pAr/pN2/pO2, ata (1 ata = 10(5) kPa) No. 1 - 0.0/0.8/0.2 (air control); No. 2 - 1.0/0.8/0/2; No. 3 - 0.0/1.8/0.2; No. 4 - 1.0/1.8/0.2. E.coli conjugation was found inhibited after 24 hrs. of incubation with pAr elevated to 1 ata, whereas elevated partial pressure of argon (1 ata) and nitrogen (1.8 ata) brought transfer frequency down to the minimum.