Non-motile bacteria

Non-motile bacteria are those bacterial species that lack the ability and structures that would allow them to propel themselves, under their own power, through their environment. When non-motile bacteria are cultured in a stab tube, they only grow along the stab line. If the bacteria are mobile, the line will appear diffuse and extend into the medium.Coliform and are examples of non-motile bacteria as are Klebsiella pneumoniae,Shigella and Yersinia pestis. Motility is one characteristic used in the identification of bacteria and evidence of possessing structures: patrichous flagella, polar flagella and/or a combination of both.

Though the lack of motility may appear to be a disadvantage, some non-motile bacteria are able to form structures that help them to securely attach to eukaryotic cells, like GI mucousal cells.

Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. are non-motile while vancomycin susceptible Enterococcus spp. are.Some genera have been divided based upon the presence or absence of motility. Motility is determined by using a motility medium. The ingredients include motility test medium, nutrient broth powder, NaCl and distilled water. An inoculating needle is used to insert the bacterial sample - not a loop. The needle is inserted ithrough the medium for a length of one inch. The media tube incubated at 38 degrees C. Bacteria that are motile grow away from the stab, and toward the sides and downward toward the bottom of the tube. Growth should be observed in 24 to 48 hours. With some species, the bacterium is inconsistent related to its motility.

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