Physiological evaluation of stimulated growth of Listeria monocytogenes by Pseudomonas species in milk

Abstract

Experiments were designed to elucidate a possible physiological mechanism for stimulated growth of Listeria monocytogenes by Pseudomonas fluorescens in milk. The ability of L. monocytogenes to grow in milk under aerobic and microaerophilic environments was compared. Neither environment favored the growth of the organism at 10 °C. Autoclaved whole milk was inoculated with P. fluorescens P26 and preincubated for 3 days at 10 °C followed by inoculation with L. monocytogenes Scott A and further incubation for 8 days at 10 °C. Changes in selected milk components were monitored over the 8-day period. The amount of lactose in the milk was determined, as well as the extent of proteolysis and lipolysis. Both L. monocytogenes and P. fluorescens were able to hydrolyze milk fat but were unable to use lactose. Milk protein was hydrolyzed by P. fluorescens but not by L. monocytogenes. Whole milk partially proteolyzed by treatment with purified protease was inoculated with L. monocytogenes. Results indicated that the growth of L. monocytogenes was stimulated in proteolyzed milk. This is the first report to provide evidence describing a likely mechanism for commensalism between L. monocytogenes and Pseudomonas spp. Key words: Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens, milk proteolysis.