Induction and Resuscitation of Viable but Nonculturable Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium DT104†

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.11.6669-6675.2003
• Publication Date: 2003-11-06T13:42:33Z
• Authors: A. R. Gupte; C. L. E. de Rezende; S. W. Joseph
• Keywords: Viable but nonculturable; Salmonella enterica; Microcosm; Multidrug tolerance

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 11601was tested for its ability to maintain viability in minimal, chemically defined solutions. Periodic monitoring of growth and survival microcosms different ion concentrations, maintained at various temperatures, showed a gradual decline culturable organisms (∼235 days) 5°C. Organisms higher temperature (21°C) continuous, equivalent CFU per milliliter (∼10 6 ) up 400 days after inoculation. Fluorescence microscopy with Baclight revealed that nonculturable cells were actually viable, while observations scanning electron the had retained their structural integrity. Temperature upshift (56°C ± 0.5, 15 s) (5°C) Trypticase soy broth followed by immediate inoculation onto agar (TSA) gave evidence resuscitation. Interestingly, S. from either 5°C (1 200 or 21°C 250 did not show enhanced intermittent catalase-supplemented TSA. Furthermore, exposed oxidative osmotic stress greater resistance stresses over increasing times exposure than recently grown cells. It is possible exceptional survivability resilience this particular strain may part reflect growing importance multidrug-resistant organism, general, as cause intestinal disease humans. The fact 11601 capable modifying physiological characteristics, including entry into recovery viable but state, suggests overall possibility be able respond uniquely adverse environmental conditions.