A comparative study of preservation and storage of Haemophilus influenzae

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of conservation by freezing the strains of Haemophilus influenzae at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C. Skim milk supplemented with glucose, yeast extract and glycerol allowed highest viability of H. influenzae both at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C from the media analyzed. Trypticase soy broth and brain heart infusion broth supplemented with glycerol, allowed excellent recovery. Use of cotton swaps as supporting material, with or without addition of cryoprotective agents, did not modify H. influenzae viability after six months of storage. Concentration of the initial inoculum positively affected viability when stored at -20 degrees C. Initial concentration did not influence survival after storage at -70 degrees C. Thawing at room temperature should not exceed 3 h as to get highest survival percentage.