Susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157 and non-O157 isolates to lactate

McWilliam Leitch, E.C. and Stewart, C.S. (2002) Susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157 and non-O157 isolates to lactate. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 35(3), pp. 176-180. (doi: 10.1046/j.1472-765X.2002.01164.x) (PMID:12180936)

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Abstract

Aims: To examine the effect of temperature on the antimicrobial efficacy of lactate and propionate against O157 and non-O157 Escherichia coli isolates. Methods and Results: Lactate and, to a lesser extent, propionate effectively reduced viability at 37 °C. Ethanol enhanced this effect. Reducing the temperature to 20 or 5 °C caused an increase in survival in the presence of these organic acids with or without ethanol. At 20 °C the ΔpH, membrane potential and intracellular lactate anion concentration were less than at 37 °C. Conclusions: The efficacy of lactate and propionate against E. coli O157 and non-O157 isolates is reduced at lower temperatures, perhaps due to the reduction in the ΔpH, membrane potential and intracellular lactate anion concentration. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings suggest that the usefulness of organic acids as decontaminants for E. coli O157 is temperature dependent.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leitch, Dr Carol
Authors: McWilliam Leitch, E.C., and Stewart, C.S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Letters in Applied Microbiology
ISSN:0266-8254

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