Tested filters were less protective for both cultures. But impregnation with acacia gum resulted in significant increase of bacterial viability on these filters. Thus, recovery of MRSA from Whatman paper was 14%, whilst 50% of viable cells were obtained from samples of Whatman paper with acacia gum. B. anthracis spores were more stable on Whatman paper (92% without acacia gum and 100% with acacia gum). Release of both cultures from charcoal cloth was less successful.