Role of Microbial Iron Transport Compounds in the Bacterial Spoilage of Eggs

Abstract

Microbial iron transport compounds, belonging either to the hydroxamate family excreted by pseudomonads, or to the phenolate family excreted by salmonellae, reverse the bacteriostatic effect of conalbumin on the growth of these bacteria in egg white. The presence of microgram quantities of these compounds permits both salmonellae and pseudomonads to reach dense populations in egg white. The role of these iron transport compounds in bacterial egg spoilage is discussed.