The effect of NaCl on the upper temperature limit for growth of and enterotoxin synthesis by Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

The upper temperature limit for growth of an enterotoxin A producing strain (MF 31) and of an enterotoxin B producing strain (S6) was about 44–45 °C in either a peptone-based medium or heart infusion broth. In the presence of NaCl, growth and production of enterotoxin, coagulase, and thermostable nuclease occurred up to 2 °C higher. The optimal concentration of NaCl for the temperature elevation effect was 1 M.