Optimization of liquid growth conditions and determination of growth curves for Bartonella species

Abstract:

[Objective] We tested an insect cells-based liquid medium and its utility for the easy-to-maintain, fast and reliable system for cultivation of different Bartonella. [Methods] Media composition and growth conditions were optimized using B. henselae and B. quintana. The growth curves of the other ten Bartonella species were determined using the optimized liquid medium. [Results] Glutamine and sucrose supplements did not affect significantly the growth rate of these bacteria. A generation time of 5.2 h for B. henselae and 4.3 h for B. quintana was estimated during the exponential phase of the growth curve occurred between days 1 and 2 after inoculation. The twelve medical and veterinary important Bartonella species grew well under conditions established and each exhibited unique growth characteristics. [Conclusion] This liquid growth medium may provide an advantage over conventional direct blood agar plating for analyzing Bartonella properties including antibiotic susceptibility and resistance and pathogenicity.