THE EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE RANCIDITY IN UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ON THE GERMINATION OF BACTERIAL SPORES

Abstract

Rancid corn oil and lard inhibited the germination of spores of a putrefactive anaerobe, whereas non-rancid samples at the same concn. had no effect. Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids and their methyl esters were inhibitory only under rancid conditions. The expts. were repeated and the results were confirmed with Clostridium botulinum, C pasteurianum, Bacillus subtilis, and B. stearo thermophilus. Benzoyl peroxide gave an inhibition of the same order of magnitude as rancid, unsaturated fatty acids. Catalase partially reversed the inhibition produced by the rancid fatty acids. The possible relationship of tnis inhibition to the phenomenon of dormancy is discussed.