ISOLATION, ENUMERATION, AND IDENTIFICATION OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA FROM FLAX DUST WITH REFERENCE TO ENDOTOXIN CONCENTRATION

The object of this study was to investigate the microbia contamination of flax dust in the linen industry, particularly the gram negative ba cteria (GNB) content and associated endotoxin levels. Standard bacteri ological techniques were used. The results obtained were contrasted wi th studies in the cotton industry. The microbial flora of cotton and f lax is similar but greater GNB contamination, with consequently higher endotoxin levels, was found in flax. Flax byssinosis and cotton byssi nosis may share a common microbial etiology.