Catalase and enumeration of stressed Staphylococcus aureus cells

Critical Effect of H2O2 in the Agar Plate on the Growth of Laboratory and Environmental Strains

We previously showed that autoclaving in preparing agar media is one of the sources of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the medium. This medium-embedded H2O2 was shown to lower the total colony count of environmental microorganisms. However, the critical concentrations of H2O2 detrimental to colony formation on the agar plate remain largely undetermined. Herein, we elucidated the specific effect of H2O2 on microbial colony formation on solid agar medium by external supplementation of varying amounts of H2O2. While common laboratory strains (often called domesticated microbes) formed colonies in the presence of high H2O2 concentrations (48.8 μM or higher), microbes from a freshwater sample demonstrated greatly decreased colony counts in the presence of 8.3 μM H2O2. This implies that environmental microbes are susceptible to much lower concentrations of H2O2 than laboratory strains. Among the emergent colonies on agar plates supplemented with different H2O2 concentrations, the relative abundance of betaproteobacterial colonies was found to be lower on plates containing higher amounts of H2O2. Further, the growth of the representative betaproteobacterial isolates was completely inhibited in the presence of 7.2 μM H2O2. Therefore, our study clearly demonstrates that low micromolar levels of H2O2 in agar plates critically affect growth of environmental microbes, and large portions of those are far more susceptible to the same than laboratory strains. IMPORTANCE It is well-known that most of environmental microorganisms do not form colonies on agar medium despite that agar medium is the commonly used solidified medium. We previously demonstrated the negative effects of H2O2 generation during agar medium preparation on colony formation. In the present study, we investigated the independent effect of H2O2 on microbial growth by adding different concentrations of H2O2 to agar medium. Our results demonstrate for the first time that even low micromolar levels of H2O2 in agar plates, that are far lower than previously recognized as significant, adversely affect colony number obtained from freshwater inoculum.

Phosphate-Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide Formation from Agar, Gellan, and κ-Carrageenan and Recovery of Microbial Cultivability via Catalase and Pyruvate

Previously, we reported that when agar is autoclaved with phosphate buffer, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is formed in the resulting medium (PT medium), and the colony count on the medium inoculated with environmental samples becomes much lower than that on a medium in which agar and phosphate are autoclaved separately (PS medium) (T. Tanaka et al., Appl Environ Microbiol 80:7659-7666, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02741-14). However, the physicochemical mechanisms underlying this observation remain largely unknown. Here, we determined the factors affecting H₂O₂ formation in agar. The H₂O₂ formation was pH dependent: H₂O₂ was formed at high concentrations in an alkaline or neutral phosphate buffer but not in an acidic buffer. Ammonium ions enhanced H₂O₂ formation, implying the involvement of the Maillard reaction catalyzed by phosphate. We found that other gelling agents (e.g., gellan and κ-carrageenan) also produced H₂O₂ after being autoclaved with phosphate. We then examined the cultivability of microorganisms from a fresh-water sample to test whether catalase and pyruvate, known as H₂O₂ scavengers, are effective in yielding high colony counts. The colony count on PT medium was only 5.7% of that on PS medium. Catalase treatment effectively restored the colony count of PT medium (to 106% of that on PS medium). In contrast, pyruvate was not as effective as catalase: the colony count on sodium pyruvate-supplemented PT medium was 58% of that on PS medium. Given that both catalase and pyruvate can remove H₂O₂ from PT medium, these observations indicate that although H₂O₂ is the main cause of reduced colony count on PT medium, other unknown growth-inhibiting substances that cannot be removed by pyruvate (but can be by catalase) may also be involved.IMPORTANCE The majority of bacteria in natural environments are recalcitrant to laboratory culture techniques. Previously, we demonstrated that one reason for this is the formation of high H₂O₂ levels in media prepared by autoclaving agar and phosphate buffer together (PT medium). In this study, we investigated the factors affecting H₂O₂ formation from agar. H₂O₂ formation is pH dependent, and ammonium ions promote this phosphate-catalyzed H₂O₂ formation. Amendment of catalase or pyruvate, a well-known H₂O₂-scavenging agent, effectively eliminated H₂O₂ Yet results suggest that growth-inhibiting factor(s) that cannot be eliminated by pyruvate (but can be by catalase) are present in PT medium.

Microbial quality of popular locally processed meats sold in retail outlets in Trinidad, West Indies

A total of 480 samples of locally produced processed meats, including chicken franks, chicken bologna, and bacon from brands A and B, was collected from 8 supermarkets across the island of Trinidad over a 1-year period and subjected to a range of microbiological analyses. The results showed that 54.2, 0.4, and 1.7% of the samples exceeded recommended limits for aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Listeria spp. were detected in 19.4% of samples, whereas L. monocytogenes was present at a prevalence rate of 7.5%. Brand A products had lower microbiological quality, accounting for 100% of samples positive for L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and S. aureus; and 75% for Listeria spp. and coliforms. Bacon was the product that most frequently exceeded microbiological limits, and accounted for 100% of samples positive for E. coli, 83.3% for L. monocytogenes, 72% for Listeria spp., 62.5% for S. aureus, and 61.9% for coliforms.

Effect of proximity to a cattle feedlot on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens and evaluation of the potential for airborne transmission

The impact of proximity to a beef cattle feedlot on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy greens was examined. In each of 2 years, leafy greens were planted in nine plots located 60, 120, and 180 m from a cattle feedlot (3 plots at each distance). Leafy greens (270) and feedlot manure samples (100) were collected six different times from June to September in each year. Both E. coli O157:H7 and total E. coli bacteria were recovered from leafy greens at all plot distances. E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from 3.5% of leafy green samples per plot at 60 m, which was higher (P < 0.05) than the 1.8% of positive samples per plot at 180 m, indicating a decrease in contamination as distance from the feedlot was increased. Although E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered from air samples at any distance, total E. coli was recovered from air samples at the feedlot edge and all plot distances, indicating that airborne transport of the pathogen can occur. Results suggest that risk for airborne transport of E. coli O157:H7 from cattle production is increased when cattle pen surfaces are very dry and when this situation is combined with cattle management or cattle behaviors that generate airborne dust. Current leafy green field distance guidelines of 120 m (400 feet) may not be adequate to limit the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 to produce crops planted near concentrated animal feeding operations. Additional research is needed to determine safe set-back distances between cattle feedlots and crop production that will reduce fresh produce contamination.

Development and evaluation of a novel combinatorial selective enrichment and multiplex PCR technique for molecular detection of major virulence-associated genes of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in food samples

AIMS

To develop a multiplex PCR assay coupled with selective enrichment step to detect major virulence-associated genes of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus and evaluate the same directly on contaminated food samples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The most important virulence-associated genes of Staph. aureus, which are commonly related to food safety issues, are targeted in this study. They include five major enterotoxigenic genes-sea, seb, sec, seg and sei, tst-which encodes TSST-1, mecA-which confer methicillin resistance and coa-for the enzyme coagulase along with an internal amplification control (IAC) to rule out false-negative result. A modified mannitol salt broth (MSB) supplemented with sodium pyruvate was used for selective enrichment of Staph. aureus from food samples prior to PCR. Evaluation of efficiency of different media revealed that enrichment of samples in modified MSB followed by PCR resulted in specific, sensitive and effective amplification of the targeted genes in comparison with other enrichment media. Incorporation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as PCR enhancer improved the intensity of amplicons. The standardized multiplex PCR (mPCR) format was able to detect all the target genes at a bacterial load of 10(6) CFU ml(-1) in any sample. The PCR results were unequivocally correlated with the conventional methods when the mPCR format was assessed on a total of 91 Staph. aureus isolates. The entire assay was found to be effectual when evaluated on naturally contaminated food samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The combinatorial approach involving selective enrichment followed by mPCR developed in this study was found to be effective for the detection of toxigenic Staph. aureus directly from various food sources.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The developed format would find a promising application in early detection of food contaminations as well as in the diagnosis of food poisoning due to Staph. aureus.

Microbiological hazard analysis of ready-to-eat meats processed at a food plant in Trinidad, West Indies

BACKGROUND

A bacteriological assessment of the environment and food products at different stages of processing was conducted during the manufacture of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken franks, chicken bologna and bacon at a large meat processing plant in Trinidad, West Indies.

METHODS

Samples of air, surfaces (swabs), raw materials, and in-process and finished food products were collected during two separate visits for each product type and subjected to qualitative or quantitative analysis for bacterial zoonotic pathogens and fecal indicator organisms.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen detected in pre-cooked products (mean counts = 0.66, 1.98, and 1.95 log10CFU/g for franks, bologna, and bacon, respectively). This pathogen was also found in unacceptable levels in 4 (16.7%) of 24 post-cooked samples. Fifty percent (10 of 20) of pre-cooked mixtures of bacon and bologna were contaminated with Listeria spp., including four with L. monocytogenes. Pre-cooked mixtures of franks and bologna also contained E. coli (35 and 0.72 log10 CFU/g, respectively) while 5 (12.5%) of 40 pre-cooked mixtures of chicken franks had Salmonella spp. Aerobic bacteria exceeded acceptable international standards in 46 (82.1%) of 56 pre-cooked and 6 (16.7%) of 36 post-cooked samples. Both pre-and post-cooking air and surfaces had relatively high levels of aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms, including equipment and gloves of employees. A drastic decrease in aerobic counts and Staphylococcus aureus levels following heat treatment and subsequent increase in counts of these bacteria are suggestive of post-cooking contamination.

CONCLUSION

A relatively high level of risk exists for microbial contamination of RTE meats at the food plant investigated and there is a need for enhancing the quality assurance programs to ensure the safety of consumers of products manufactured at this plant.

Improving the culturability of freshwater bacteria using FW70, a low-nutrient solid medium amended with sodium pyruvate

Bacterial culture based on the use of plate media is an effective method for investigating bacterial populations in the environment. To improve the culturability of bacteria from freshwater lakes, we developed a new medium, FW70, which contains sodium pyruvate, casamino acids, and lake water and is solidified using gellan gum. To test the importance of these components, we prepared a series of media in which one or more of the components was absent. Water was sampled 31 times from 3 Japanese lakes and was passed through a membrane filter (pore size = 0.45 microm) to remove fast-growing microbes before the water was spread onto the plates. In most cases, significantly larger numbers of bacterial colonies were detected on FW70 than on other media. Furthermore, to test the practicality of FW70, we compared it with standard nutrient agar and R2A agar. In all cases, the culturability was significantly greater on FW70 than on standard nutrient agar or R2A agar. Some isolates recovered by means of FW70 belonged to bacteria that had not previously been classified. These results suggest that FW70 improves the culturability of freshwater bacteria and can be used for the isolation of novel bacteria as a result of the filtration step.

Toxicity of Irradiated Media for Xenorhabdus spp

Bacterial isolates of the genus Xenorhabdus were shown to be extremely sensitive to photoproducts produced in a number of common media irradiated by fluorescent light. Two forms of toxic oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical, were produced in the media upon exposure to fluorescent light. The addition of pyruvate or catalase to the irradiated media eliminated the toxicity. The poor plating efficiencies previously reported for Xenorhabdus spp. are likely due to the uncontrolled exposure of media to ambient lighting.

[Evaluation of selective plating media for the detection of heat- or freeze-injured Staphylococcus aureus]

The efficacy of Baird-Parker (BP) agar, mannitol-salt-egg yolk (MSEY) agar and mannitol salt (MS) agar in detecting Staphylococcus aureus FRI-100 heated at 52 degrees C for 20 min in 100 mmol/L potassium phosphate buffer was determined. Brain heart infusion agar with 1% pyruvate (BHIP agar) supported the highest recovery of injured cells and was used as the control medium. Of the three selective media, significantly higher recovery of heat-injured cells was observed on BP agar than MSEY agar, and the poorest recovery was observed on MS agar (p < 0.05). Low recovery of unheated cells was obtained for MS compared with other media (p < 0.05). A reduction in populations occurred gradually in reagent-grade water stored for 14 days at -20 degrees C. There was no significant difference between BHIP agar and MS agar in the number of freeze-injured cells recovered from 1 to 14 days.

Killing of spores of Bacillus subtilis by peroxynitrite appears to be caused by membrane damage

During an infection of a higher eukaryote, dormant spores of a Bacillus species have been previously shown to be present in cells that can generate the toxic agent peroxynitrite (PON). Dormant spores of Bacillus subtilis were much more resistant to killing by PON than were growing cells, and spore-coat alteration or removal greatly decreased PON resistance. Spores were not killed by PON through DNA damage and lost no dipicolinic acid (DPA) during PON treatment. However, PON-killed spores lost DPA during subsequent heat treatments that caused much less DPA release from untreated spores. Although dead, the PON-killed spores germinated and initiated metabolism but never went through outgrowth; the great majority of germinated PON-killed spores also took up propidium iodide, indicating that they had suffered significant membrane damage and were dead. Together these data suggest that spore killing by PON is through some type of damage to the spore's inner membrane.

Comparison of different enrichment broths and background flora for detection of heat-injured Listeria monocytogenes in whole milk

Various primary enrichment broths, including University of Vermont medium (UVM), Listeria enrichment broth (LEB), modified LEB, and aerobic and anaerobic L-PALCAMY, were compared with aerobic and anaerobic Pennsylvania State University (PSU) broths for the detection of severely heat-injured (62.8 degrees C for 5, 10, or 15 min; no colony appearance after heat injury on aerobic Trypticase soy agar containing 0.6% yeast extract and modified Oxford medium) Listeria monocytogenes Scott A. Anaerobic conditions were produced by adding L-cysteine and then purging the headspace with N2. The effect of uninjured background flora (10(3) CFU/ml of Enterococcus faecium) on frequency of detection was examined. Anaerobic PSU broth resulted in the lowest false-positive rate and the highest frequency of detection of severely heat-injured L. monocytogenes compared with UVM, LEB, and modified LEB (P < 0.05). The presence of E. faecium significantly enhanced the detection of heat-injured (10 min at 62.8 degrees C) L. monocytogenes in aerobic and anaerobic PSU and aerobic and anaerobic L-PALCAMY broths (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of uninjured E. faecium (>10(6) CFU/ml) inhibited the detection of heat-injured L. monocytogenes (P < 0.05). A heat-resistant, LiCl-tolerant Lactobacillus isolate from raw milk increased the rate of both false-positive and false-negative reactions.

Bacterial viability and culturability

Renewed interest in the relationships between viability and culturability in bacteria stems from three sources: (1) the recognition that there are many bacteria in the biosphere that have never been propagated or characterized in laboratory culture; (2) the proposal that some readily culturable bacteria may respond to certain stimuli by entering a temporarily non-culturable state termed 'viable but non-culturable' (VBNC) by some authors; and (3) the development of new techniques that facilitate demonstration of activity, integrity and composition of non-culturable bacterial cells. We review the background to these areas of interest emphasizing the view that, in an operational context, the term VBNC is self-contradictory (Kell et al., 1998) and the likely distinctions between temporarily non-culturable bacteria and those that have never been cultured. We consider developments in our knowledge of physiological processes in bacteria that may influence the outcome of a culturability test (injury and recovery, ageing, adaptation and differentiation, substrate-accelerated death and other forms of metabolic self-destruction, prophages, toxin-antitoxin systems and cell-to-cell communication). Finally, we discuss whether it is appropriate to consider the viability of individual bacteria or whether, in some circumstances, it may be more appropriate to consider viability as a property of a community of bacteria.

Recovery of thermally-stressed Escherichia coli O157:H7 by media supplemented with pyruvate

Unheated and heat-stressed (57 degrees C, 50 min and 60 min) cells of Escherichia coli O157:H7, were enumerated using three media supplemented with 1% sodium pyruvate (NaPyr): plate count agar (PCA), tryptic soy agar (TSA) and phenol red sorbitol agar (PhRSA) using the spread plate method. The medium recovering the greatest numbers of severely heated E. coli O157:H7 was PCA with 1% NaPyr. Recovery of heat stressed E. coli O157:H7 on this medium was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the two other media with pyruvate: 16.3% (50 min heating) and 0.55% (60 min heating) of the total population was recovered with TSA + 1% NaPyr when compared to those numbers found on PCA + 1% NaPyr. The ability of PhRSA + 1% NaPyr to recover heat-stressed E. coli O157:H7 was similar to that of TSA + 1% NaPyr. Using PhRSA + 1% NaPyr media. 12.9% (50 min heating) and 0.61% (60 min heating) of the total population were recovered when compared with the cells enumerated on PCA + 1% NaPyr. Recovery of the heat-stressed cells using the spread plate method was greater than using pour plate method. Recovery was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on the spread plates for highly stressed E. coli O157:H7(1.2 log) heated for 60 min than on the pour plates. Overall, the populations on the TSA spread and pour plates were low compared with the same heat-stressed cells recovered on media containing pyruvate. The

Media used in the detection and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus

Over the years a range of selective and diagnostic media have been developed to assist in the detection and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in routine food surveillance programmes and food poisoning investigations and these are reviewed here. Baird-Parker agar remains, however, the medium of choice for direct plating and enumeration of S. aureus in both Europe and the US. This paper also reports on a comparison of the productivity and selectivity of trypticase soy broth with 10% NaCl and 1% sodium pyruvate (PTSBS) with trypticase soy broth (TSB) for the isolation of S. aureus. Using three strains of S. aureus and a strain of S. hyicus the productivity ratio of PTSBS to TSBS ranged from -0.17 to 0.57. In the recovery of heat-injured cells of S. aureus, PTSBS offered little or no improvement over TSB with sodium chloride but no pyruvate in a three-tube MPN assessment. Of the seven other bacterial cultures tested, none grew well on the PTSBS. Selectivity ratios of 4.4-7 were found.

Survival of Staphylococcus aureus in oral administration liquid medicaments and influence of count medium on survival

The survival of Staphylococcus aureus was studied in 30 oral administration liquid medicaments (15 syrups and 15 solutions) to determine the effectiveness of the preservatives, the influence of the culture medium used in the enumeration of the surviving microorganisms, and the loss of the enzyme coagulase, phosphatase, DNase (deoxyribonuclease), and thermonuclease. Samples were inoculated with 6.3-6.5 x 10(5) viable cells per milliliter and were stored at room temperature for 60 days. Aliquots were taken for analysis at 0, 15, 22, 30, and 60 days after samples were inoculated. The enumeration of S. aureus was made by most probable number method (MPN) with six liquid culture media: triptone soy (TS), TS with 10% NaCl (TSS), TS and TSS with 0.2% catalase, Mannitol salt, and Tellurite-mannitol-glycine. The survival of S. aureus was lower in solutions than in syrups, decreased with the storage time, and depended on the culture medium utilized in the enumeration. Nonselective media were more sensitive than selective ones; that is, a better percentage of recovery was achieved with TS and the catalase medium. The preservative was effective in 93.3% of the samples. Coagulase was the most stable enzyme and phosphatase, DNase, and thermonuclease disappeared during the storage period.

Resuscitation effects of catalase on airborne bacteria

Catalase incorporation into enumeration media caused a significant increase (greater than 63%) in the colony-forming abilities of airborne bacteria. Incubation for 30 to 60 min of airborne bacteria in collection fluid containing catalase caused a greater than 95% increase in colony-forming ability. However, catalase did not have any effects on enumeration at high relative humidities (80 to 90%).

Design and performance of a new medium for the quantitative recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from recreational waters

Several reports have suggested that staphylococci, and especially Staphylococcus aureus, are useful indicators of pollution of recreational waters. The lack of a selective, accurate and reliable recovery system for the quantification of Staph. aureus from water has been the principal obstacle to the evaluation of their use as indicators. In this study, several inhibitory substances and different nutrient sources have been evaluated for the formulation of a new selective medium. The medium designed, BFR-0 agar, recovers more than 75% of staphylococci and allows Staph. aureus to be identified.

Synthesis of catalase in Staphylococcus aureus MF-31

During the growth of Staphylococcus aureus MF-31, initial catalase activity dropped to a reduced level at the onset of exponential phase before increasing. When S. aureus was grown at 25, 32, or 37 degrees C, catalase activity was found to decrease by 80 to 90% within 1 h of inoculation. Two catalase-negative mutants and wild-type S. aureus MF-31 cells were exposed to exogenous 20 mM H2O2 for 15 min. For wild-type S. aureus, there was no effect from H2O2 until min 15, at which time a 10% decrease in CFU was observed. Both mutants showed increased sensitivity to the H2O2, with 56 and 71% reductions in the CFU for mutants C3 and C4, respectively, after a 15-min exposure. Cells of mutant and wild-type S. aureus were subjected to sublethal heating at 52 degrees C for 20 min. The lack of catalase activity in the mutants resulted in large decreases in enumeration.

Evaluation of culture media for recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from swimming pools

Several selective media were evaluated for the primary isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus from halogenated indoor swimming pool waters. Standard plate counts of the viable population and total coliform densities were also determined to ascertain their value as indicator systems. All studies were done with membrane filters. The most selective, accurate, and reliable medium was Vogel-Johnson (VJ) medium supplemented with 0.5% pyruvate. This medium recovered two times more typical colonies than VJ medium alone, and subsequent identification of these well-defined black colonies proved that approximately 80% were S. aureus. The S. aureus recoveries correlated well with halogen levels and bather density use also. In contrast, VJ medium alone was 60% selective for S. aureus, and VJ medium supplemented with catalase did not increase either the percent recovery or the selectivity over that of VJ medium alone. Standard plate counts did not correlate with halogen levels, bather density, or total viable colonies. Coliforms were rarely recovered from indoor pool waters and were not considered to be useful indicators of water quality.

Role of keto acids and reduced-oxygen-scavenging enzymes in the growth of Legionella species

Keto acids and reduced-oxygen-scavenging enzymes were examined for their roles in supporting the growth of Legionella species and for their potential reactions between the chemical components of the media. When grown in an experimental ACES (2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-amino] ethanesulfonic acid)-buffered chemically defined (ABCD) broth, the presence of keto acids shortened the lag periods, increased the rates of growth, and gave maximum cell yields. In addition, keto acids affected the specific activities of reduced-oxygen-scavenging enzymes determined during growth. The specific activities of superoxide dismutase of Legionella pneumophila (Knoxville) and L. dumoffii (TEX-KL) were increased three- to eightfold, while that of L. bozemanii (WIGA) was not affected. All strains appeared to be equally sensitive to the effects of superoxide anion (O2-) generated by light-activated riboflavin, and all were equally protected by the presence of keto acids in the ABCD broth. Production of trace amounts of acetate and succinate in pyruvate- and alpha-ketoglutarate-containing media exposed to light suggested that hydrogen peroxide was formed. Pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate were products of growth on amino acids, and there was no quantitative evidence that these keto acids were metabolized when they were added to the medium. The rate of cysteine oxidation in ABCD broth was increased by the presence of ferric ion or by exposure to light or by both, and keto acids reduced the rate of this oxidation. ACES buffer was a substrate for the production of O2- in the presence of light, and the combined addition of Fe2+ ions, cysteine, and either keto acid to the medium strongly inhibited the production of O2-. Thus, keto acids inhibited the rate of cysteine oxidation, they stimulated rapid growth by an unknown process, and, in combination with added Fe2+ ions and cysteine, they reversed the toxic effects of light by inhibiting O2- production.

Comparison of Vogel-Johnson and Baird-Parker media for membrane filtration recovery of staphylococci in swimming pool water

Previous studies have indicated that the coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (Staphylococcus aureus) has potential as a useful indicator of the infection hazard associated with the use of swimming pools and other recreational waters. However, before this indicator system can be used effectively, a recovery system that is sufficiently selective, accurate, and reliable for the enumeration of S. aureus must be developed. In this study, Vogel-Johnson (VJ) and Baird-Parker (BP) agars were compared for efficacy in the primary isolation and recovery of S. aureus from swimming pool water. For equal sample volumes of pool water containing adequate free chlorine residual, VJ agar was found to be more selective for staphylococcal species and less inhibitory to general cell growth than was BP agar. However, neither medium was found to be sufficiently differential to permit the accurate identification of S. aureus. In contrast, water samples obtained from a swimming pool containing very low levels of chlorine (none of which was in the free form) showed abundant growth of staphylococci on both test media, with both VJ and BP agars showing increased sensitivity for the detection of S. aureus. Thus, VJ and BP agars show increased sensitivity for the detection of coagulase-positive staphylococci from unchlorinated versus chlorinated waters.

Quality assurance of selective culture media for bacteria, moulds and yeasts: an attempt at standardization at the international level

To facilitate monitoring of culture media, a simple quantitative streaking technique, implying ever-decreasing numbers of colony-forming units per surface area, as in spiral plating, was developed. The procedure evaluates, in quantitative terms, the ability of media (1) to support the formation of colonies by organisms that it was designed to grow and (2) to resist colonization by organisms that it is expected to suppress. The procedure was therefore termed ecometric evaluation. The ecometric results appeared to agree well with observations made on productivity and selectivity of the media studied during routine examination of specimens. These encouraging results prompted further, rigorous standardization of ecometry. A template was developed to standardize inoculation and the depth of the agar was controlled to within +/- 10%. Finally the attributes of the inocula used were accurately defined. The standardized ecometric technique has been found useful for the following purposes: (1) to assess the practical significance of the inhibitory effect of gentamicin observed in some moulds and yeasts (this was solved by replacing poorer basal media by one particular richer modification, viz, yeast morphology agar); (2) the development of a blood-free selective enumeration medium for Campylobacter jejuni, i.e. sulphide iron motility agar plus the combination of antibiotics suggested by Skirrow (1977); and (3) verification of the absence of antimicrobial activity of enzyme preparations, e.g. catalase, used in culture media to remedy sublethal damage in certain groups of bacteria. Ecometric evaluation can now be recommended for (1) routine monitoring of consignments of dehydrated or ready-to-use, purchased media; and (2) in-house checking of the functioning of medium preparation departments. Only occasionally is it necessary to use conventional counting techniques to confirm the results.

Effect of free-radical scavengers on enumeration of thermally stressed cells of Staphylococcus aureus MF-31

Exposure of crude cell lysates of Staphylococcus aureus MF-31 to 5 or 10 mM hydrogen peroxide resulted in a linear decrease in superoxide dismutase activity. Approximately 13% of the superoxide dismutase activity was lost after 16 min. Thermally stressed and nonstressed cells were exposed to a photochemically generated exogenous flux of superoxide radicals (O2.-). The death of thermally stressed cells was linear with time. Addition of superoxide dismutase or catalase to the O2.- generating system resulted in protection of thermally stressed and nonstressed cells, with the protective effect being greater for thermally stressed cells. Incorporation of O2-, hydroxyl radical, or singlet oxygen scavengers or antioxidants to tryptic soy agar containing 7.5% NaCl did not increase the enumeration of thermally stressed cells.

Presence of hydrogen peroxide in media used for cultivation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Defined complex media used for cultivation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were tested for the presence of H2O2 by both a spectrophotometric and a polarographic assay. H2O2 (35 to 165 microM) was present in all media tested. In the defined media, H2O2 was generated by the interaction of cysteine with other amino acids. The addition of the chelator 8-hydroxyquinoline prevented formation of detectable H2O2, suggesting that metal ions were necessary. The persistence of H2O2 varied greatly among different media. Medium components which affected the presence of H2O2 were pyruvate, oxalacetate, and sodium sulfite. Sodium sulfite also generated superoxide radical. In liquid medium containing H2O2, the endogenous gonococcal catalase present in an inoculum of about 2 X 10(7) colony-forming units/ml destroyed detectable H2O2. The long lag phase which resulted from a 10-fold lower inoculum could not be shortened by the addition of exogenous catalase. Small amounts of residual H2O2 in agar plates of complex medium affected the viability of gonococci which had been suspended in buffer and incubated for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Addition of pyruvate or catalase increased viable counts in medium containing H2O2.

Liquid modification of Baird-Parker's medium for selective enrichment of Staphylococcus aureus

A liquid modification of Baird-Parker's medium is suggested for the detection of low (less than 20/g) numbers of Staphylococcus aureus. Model experiments showed that the medium had an acceptable level of selectivity and that it was non-inhibitory to injured cells. Practical evaluation demonstrated the advantage of selective enrichment procedures over both non-selective enrichment technique and direct plating methods.

Superoxide dismutase activity during recovery of thermally stressed Staphylococcus aureus MF-31

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined during the growth cycle of unheated and heat-injured cells of Staphylococcus aureus MF-31. SOd activity levels dropped in unheated cells during the lag phase, increased during logarithmic phase, and became constant in the stationary phase. Cells which were sublethally heated (52 degrees c, 20 min) in 100 mM phosphate buffer and subsequently allowed to recover in tryptic soy broth demonstrated an 85% decrease in SOD activity upon inoculation into recovery medium. As the injured cells repaired the heat-induced lesions and entered logarithmic growth, SOD levels rapidly increased. Heat-injured cells allowed to recover in tryptic soy broth plus 10% NaCl showed similar decreases in SOD activity levels. However, no subsequent increase was observed when specific activity was calculated based on milligrams of protein.

Superoxide dismutase activity in thermally stressed Staphylococcus aureus

The effects of heat and NaCl on the activity of superoxide dismutase from Staphylococcus aureus were examined. A linear decrease in superoxide dismutase activity occurred when S. aureus MF-31 cells were thermally stressed for 90 min at 52% C in 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2). After 20 min of heating, only 5% of the superoxide dismutase activity was lost. Heating for 60, 90 and 120 min resulted in decreases of approximately 10, 22, and 68%, respectively. The rates of thermal inactivation of superoxide dismutase from S. aureus strains 196E and 210 were similar and slightly greater than those of strains MF-31, S-6, and 181. The addition of NaCl before or after heating resulted in increased losses of superoxide dismutase activity.

The effect of catalase on the toxicity of cadmium in cadmium-sensitive and cadmium-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The effect of catalase on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in Cd-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 3719+ and its plasmid-negative Cd-sensitive variant 3719– was studied. Catalase on a solid medium increased the recovery of Gd-stressed S. aureus 3719– cells, and the addition of catalase into a liquid growth medium resulted in a shortened lag phase of growth especially in S. aureus 3719–. The catalase activity of S. aureus 3719+ cell suspensions was greater than the corresponding activity of S. aureus 3719– cell suspensions. Cd did not influence the activity of beef liver catalase or the catalase production of the bacterial cells.

Catalase reduced the toxicity of Cd especially for S. aureus 3719–. The greater catalase production of S. aureus 3719+ might be one factor in its resistance against the toxic effects of Cd. It is suggested that Cd together with hydrogen peroxide may induce oxidative damage to cells if there is not sufficient catalase available to decompose all the hydrogen peroxide formed.

Catalase activity during the recovery of heat-stressed Staphylococcus aureus MF-31

Sublethal heating of Staphylococcus aureus produced little loss of catalase activity, but incubation of the injured cells in tryptic soy broth, with or without 10% NaCl added, produced an 85% decrease in catalase activity. Cells recovered in tryptic soy broth demonstrated increases in catalase levels after approximately 5 h, whereas in tryptic soy broth with 10% NaCl the levels remained low for at least 12 h. Thus, the loss of catalase activity during the recovery period was greater than during the heat treatment.

Heat inactivation of catalase from Staphylococcus aureus MF-31

The effects of heat on catalase from Staphylococcus aureus lysates were examined. Catalase activity increased with increasing concentrations of potassium phosphate buffer, when heated at temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees C for 10 min. Inactivation of catalase by NaCl during heating was demonstrated. Extended heating of S. aureus cells at 52 degrees C resulted in a slight decrease in catalase activity of the resultant lysates. This decrease was more pronounced in the presence of salt. Heating at 62 degrees C caused a decrease in catalase activity, but not complete inactivation. These results implicate the combined effects of heat, and NaCl in the inactivation of catalase from S. aureus. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that H2O2 may accumulate as a result of decreased catalase activity and be responsible for the decreased colony-forming ability of stressed S. aureus.

Bactericidal effect of cysteine exposed to atmospheric oxygen

Peptostreptococcus anaerobius VPI 4330-1 was exposed to atmospheric oxygen in a dilution bland (0.2% gelatin, salts, resazurin) solution. The organisms were rapidly killed when the solution contained cysteine. The organisms were effectively protected by catalase and horseradish peroxidase as well as by the metal ion-chelating agents 8-hydroxyquinoline and 2,2'-bipyridine. Superoxide dismutase increased the rate of killing of the organisms, whereas singlet oxygen quenchers and scavengers of hydroxyl free radicals did not protect the organisms from the toxic effect of cysteine. Hydrogen peroxide was formed when cysteine was exposed to oxygen in the dilution blank solution, and the reaction was inhibited by metal ion-chelating agents. The organisms were rapidly killed by 20 microM hydrogen peroxide in anaerobic dilution blank solution. The toxic effect of hydrogen peroxide in anaerobic dilution blank solution. The toxic effect of hydrogen peroxide was completely abolished by catalase and metal ion-chelating agents. These results indicated that hydrogen peroxide was formed in the dilution blank solution in a metal ion-catalyzed autoxidation of cysteine and that hydrogen peroxide was toxic to P. anaerobius VPI 4330-1 in a reaction also catalyzed by metal ions.

Beneficial effects of catalase or pyruvate in a most-probable-number technique for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus

The effects of the addition of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) or pyruvate on the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in Trypticase soy broth with 10% NaCl were examined using a most-probable-number technique. Addition of catalase or pyruvate to the broth increased enumeration of all heat-stressed S. aureus strains tested. Increases were also observed with nonstressed cells. Catalase and pyruvate were similarly effective when added to Trypticase soy broth-10% NaCl in enumerating staphylococci naturally present in low-temperature-rendered ground-beef samples.