CULTURE OFCLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUMTYPE C WITH CONTROLLED pH

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Abstract
In studies on the metabolism of C. botulinum type C, spore formation, acid production, and toxigenesis were influenced markedly by pH of the medium. The optimum range was rather narrow and on the acid side of neutrality. The total bacterial population, spore formation, time of germination of the spore inoculum, duration of active growth, amount of acid produced, and the rate of production of acid were observed and compared in 2 media with both controlled and uncontrolled pH. Production of toxin is related to pH, and maximum production probably occurs at pH 6.2 or less. In fact, maximum toxin titers occurred at a controlled pH of 5.7, the lowest value tested. These data support a concept of the epizoology of botulism which suggests that particulate animal tissues, not alkaline slurries of decomposing organic matter, are a favorable habitat for C. botulinum type C.