Action of stannous and stannic chlorides on bacteria.

Stannous or stannic chlorides reduced the growth rate of K. aerogenes, Ps. reptilovora and an unidentified bacterium in a minimal liquid medium and on agar plates. The greatest effect was observed with K. aerogenes and was accompanied by a decreased viability, but 100% survival occurred with other strains. The metal was loosely bound to the cells and there was no direct correlation between the amount adsorbed and the biological response.