This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Duncan, C. L. Articles by Foster, E. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Duncan, C. L. Articles by Foster, E. M. Agricola Articles by Duncan, C. L. Articles by Foster, E. M.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1968 February; 16(2): 406-411
Copyright © 1968 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Chloride, and Sodium Nitrate on Germination and Outgrowth of Anaerobic Spores¹

Department of Bacteriology and Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706

ABSTRACT

The effects of meat-curing agents on germination and outgrowth of putrefactive anaerobe 3679h (PA 3679h) spores were studied in microcultures. Nitrite concentrations up to 0.06% at pH 6.0 or between 0.8 and 1% at pH 7.0 allowed emergence and elongation of vegetative cells but blocked cell division. The newly emerged cells then lysed. With more than 0.06% nitrite at pH 6.0 or more than 0.8 to 1% at pH 7.0, the spores lost refractility and swelled, but vegetative cells did not emerge. Even as much as 4% nitrite failed to prevent germination (complete loss of refractility) and swelling of the spores. Sodium chloride concentrations above 6% prevented complete germination (i.e., the spores retained a refractile core). In the presence of 3 to 6% sodium chloride, most of the spores germinated and produced vegetative cells, but cell division was often blocked. Sodium nitrate had no apparent effect on germination and outgrowth at concentrations up to 2%.

² Present address: Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 53706.

¹ Published with the permission of the Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, Madison.