Growth of Clostridium perfringens in Three Different Beef Media and Fluid Thioglycollate Medium at Static and Constantly Rising Temperatures

Abstract

Growth of an eight-strain composite of Clostridium perfringens was compared using rolled raw beef strips, raw and autoclaved ground beef and Fluid Thioglycollate medium. The inoculated media were exposed to either static or dynamic temperatures increasing at linear rates. The most rapid growth and shortest lag times were observed in autoclaved ground beef. Generation times in the beef media were directly related to oxidation-reduction potential. Fluid Thioglycollate medium supported the slowest growth even though it presented a favorable Eh.