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. 2012 Jan 24;7(1):e30648. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030648

Figure 2. Ultrastructural characterization of MAP morphologies.

Figure 2

Fine MAP morphotype structure was determined by TEM (A). TEM images were taken of log-phase, dormant and A–K MAP cultures. While the dormant MAP culture showed a mix of vegetative cells and spores, A–K MAP cultures displayed typical spore characteristics, including a cortex, plasma membrane and coat layers. (B) All MAP cultures were assessed for contamination of duplex and normal PCR of IS900, spoIVA and Clostridium 16SrDNA. Only MAP samples contained the IS900 element and did not amplify Bacillus and Clostridium related genes. (C) Spore formation was confirmed by the detection of dipicolnic acid (DPA) using a colorimetric assay. DPA is a chemical found within the spore core of endospores. Intact and autoclaved mycobactin J (250.0 µg/mL) were used as controls. Each sample was conducted in triplicate.