Viable but nonculturable

Transverse section of a transmission electron micrograph of actively growing (Panel A) and nonculturable (Panel B) Yersinia pestis. Bar equals 0.5 microns.

Viable but nonculturable (VBNC) bacteria refers as to bacteria that are in a state of very low metabolic activity and do not divide, but are alive and have the ability to become culturable once resuscitated.[1]

Bacteria in a VBNC state cannot grow on standard growth media, though flow cytometry can measure the viability of the bacteria.[1] Bacteria can enter the VBNC state as a response to stress, due to adverse nutrient, temperature, osmotic, oxygen, and light conditions.[1] The cells that are in the VBNC state are morphologically smaller, and demonstrate reduced nutrient transport, rate of respiration, and synthesis of macromolecules.[1] Sometimes, VBNC bacteria can remain in that state for over a year.[1] It has been shown that numerous pathogens and non-pathogens can enter the VBNC state, which therefore has significant implications in pathogenesis, bioremediation, and other branches of microbiology.[1]

The existence of the VBNC state is controversial. The validity and interpretation of the assays to determine the VBNC state have been questioned.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Oliver JD (February 2005). "The viable but nonculturable state in bacteria". The Journal of Microbiology. 43 (special issue (No. S)): 93–100. PMID 15765062.
  2. ^ Stokell, Joshua R.; Steck, Todd R. (2012). "Viable but Nonculturable Bacteria". eLS. doi:10.1002/9780470015902.a0000407.pub2. ISBN 978-0470016176.