Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 24, Number 1, 1993
Page(s) 25 - 31
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19930103
Apidologie 24 (1993) 25-31
DOI: 10.1051/apido:19930103

Resistance of Bacillus larvae in beeswax

M. Máchová

Bee Research Institute, Dol 252 66 Libice nad Vltavou, Czech Republic

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 D150 °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.


Key words: Bacillus larvae spore / beeswax / heat resistance / acid-resistance / disinfection