Growth of Aeromonas hydrophila K144 as Affected by Organic Acids

The influence of different acids on the aerobic growth kinetics of Aeromonas hydrophila was studied in BHI broth with 0.5 and 2.0% NaCl incubated at 5 and 19°C. Growth curve data were analyzed by the Gompertz equation and a nonlinear regression program; generation and lag times were calculated from the Gompertz parameters. Type of acid, pH, NaCl level and temperature influenced lag and generation times. The organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric and tartaric) inhibited growth at higher pH values than inorganic acids (HCl and H₂SO₄). The high NaCl level interacted with type of acid and pH to restrict growth of the organism at the lower temperature of incubation. Acetic and lactic acids were effective in controlling the growth of A. hydrophila and could readily be combined with low holding temperature to render foods free of the organism.