EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND OXYGEN ON THE GROWTH OF LISTERIA-MONOCYTOGENES AT PH 4.5

Growth effects were studied using tryptose phosphate broth adjusted with hydrochloric acid. The microorganism survived for extended periods at low incubation temperatures (5 and 10°C), and grew at intermediate temperatures (19 and 28°C). Aerobic incubation at 37°C resulted in relatively rapid inactivation of the organism; however, when oxygen was restricted the organism recovered and survived for extended periods. Oxygen restriction enhanced the growth rate at 19°C. Results demonstrated temperature and oxygen availability interacted to influence survival of L. monocytogenes in low pH environment. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved