Biohazard caused by viable but nonculturable microorganisms

Abstract

In this review we discuss current notions about viable but nonculturable microorganisms — new subject of microbiological research. Information about factors and conditions of formation of nonculturable cells and their resuscitation is analyzed. Of particular interest is information of biohazard of nonculturable cells that are hard to isolate by traditional means from organisms, the environment, foodstuffs etc. Knowledge about this is valuable for detection live microbes from clinical samples, levels of viable but nonculturable cells in vaccine and probiotic preparations, culture collections.

Keywords

• viable but nonculturable microbes
• conditions of entry and resuscitation
• biohazard