Capability of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa to survive in chlorinated water

Mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are characterized by an overproduc tion of the extracellular polysaccharide alginate. When suspended into chlo rinated swimming-pool water or drinking water samples, mucoid bacteria reve aled enhanced survival compared with isogenic nonmucoid cells. Removal of s lime from mucoid bacteria abolished chlorine resistance, addition of purifi ed alginate to washed bacteria again enhanced survival. Thus, alginate-cont aining slime confers protection on P. aeruginosa against chlorine and may c ontribute to survival of these bacteria in chlorinated water systems.