Resistance of Bacillus larvae in beeswax

Abstract - A simple routine microbiological method was used to determine the titre of viable Bacillus larvae spores in beeswax. Viable bacillus larvae spores in beeswax were tested for heat resistance at the constant temperature of 150 °C and for acid-resistance to 0.5% H₂SO₄. Heat resistance of Bacillus larvae spores in beeswax medium was expressed by the index D_{150 °C}, ranging from 1.5 - 2.5 min depending on the initial concentration of spores. 0.5% H₂SO₄ did not result in the reduction of the number of viable Bacillus larvae spores for the 37.5 h required for the isolation of spores from beeswax.