[Methodological characteristics of the use of the immunofluorescence method for the rapid determination of the sensitivity of the anthrax microbe to antibiotics].

An immunofluorescent method for rapid assay of antibiotic sensitivity of Bacillus anthracis was tested with the use of virulent strains. It was shown that the immunofluorescent method was applicable for assay of antibiotic sensitivity of Bacillus anthracis immediately upon inoculation of the native matter: soil samples and other materials. Comparison of the results obtained with the method of serial dilutions and the immunofluorescent method showed that the levels of the Bacillus anthracis sensitivity to rifampicin, benzylpenicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin and gentamicin coincided. The immunofluorescent method provided the results on antibiotic sensitivity of Bacillus anthracis 6-8 hours after initiation of the rapid assay, the inoculum size being at least 10(6) spores/ml. Isolation of the causative agent pure cultures was not required. Under laboratory conditions the assay required consideration of the characteristic features of the causative agent and fixation of smear replicates in a mixture of 96 degrees ethyl alcohol and 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide for 30 min. After the assay the panels should be disinfected by immersing for 16-18 hours into 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide supplemented with 0.5 per cent of a detergent.