Induction of reversion from the L-form to the sporogenous phase of Bacillus licheniformis var. endoparasiticus (Benedek).

The rate of reversion from the L-form to the complete bacillus phase of Bacillus licheniformis var. endoparasiticus (BLE)was increased by a factor of c. x20, by growth in the presence of 1% diaminopimelic acid in a well plate, and c. x25 with a 1% hog gastric mucin spread on the plate surface. Saturated riboflavin solution and growth products of staphylococci in wells had a lesser effect. The revertants were subsequently stable when isolated in the absence of additive. The rate of reversion from a spheroplast to a diphtheroid phase was not significantly altered by these additives. These findings are of practical value in studies to distinguish between the BLE sporing bacillus and postulated phases of the organism that include diphtheroid and spheroplast L-forms and debated mycoplasma-like forms.