Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Quantifying the Cytotoxicity of Staphylococcus aureus Against Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Published on: January 3, 2020
Effect of water activity on enterotoxin B production and growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus C-243, an enterotoxin B-producing strain, was cultured on media adjusted to various water activity (a(w)) levels by means of two different solute systems. Total numbers and rate of growth were diminished at low a(w) levels, and enterotoxin synthesis was extremely sensitive to reduction in a(w). A reduction of a(w) from 0.99 to 0.98 in one medium and from 0.99 to 0.97 in the other medium resulted in extremely low levels of enterotoxin in spent culture media despite the attainment of high numbers of staphylococci.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: Osmolarity
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Bacterial Toxins
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

