The Influence of High Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide on the Germination of Bacterial Spores |
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| Authors: | S-O ENFORS G MOLIN |
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| Institution: | Technical Microbiology, Chemical Centre, S-220 07 Lund, and Swedish Meat Research Centre, S-244 00 Kävlinge, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | The influence of carbon dioxide at 1–55 atm on the germination of Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus spores in a complex medium was studied. The germination studies at atmospheric pressure were done in the pH range 5.2–6.7. Controls at the same pH were done in 100% nitrogen. Carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure (1 atm) inhibited the spore germination of B. cereus spores but strongly enhanced the germination rate of those of the clostridia. Spore germination of Cl. sporogenes and Cl. perfringens was inhibited completely at 10 atm and at 25 atm, respectively. The germination rate in carbon dioxide or nitrogen was generally higher at pH 6.7 than at 5.2–6.0. |
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