Heat Inactivation of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A

摘要

SUMMARYA large batch of enterotoxin A fromStaphylococcus aureusstrain 196‐E was prepared in easamino acid medium and concentrated 13.5 times by dialysis under polyethylene glycol. Concurrent tests on heat inactivation of this toxin were conducted with monkeys and cats. The heat inactivation curve based on the cat emetic reaction to intraperitoneal injection ean be expressed as a straight‐line semi‐logarithmic curve with a slope (z) of 48° F to traverse one log cycle of time and a resistance at 250°F of 11 min (F49250=11 min). The heat inactivation curve based on the monkey emetic reaction to oral feeding was F49250= 8 min. The heat resistance tests based on the two test animals are in remarkable agreement. Cats were found to be considerably more susceptible to the toxin by injection than were monkeys by feeding. The implication of these tests in relation to heat processing of foods is discussed, and preliminary indications are that the processes given commercially canned foods in which the organisms will grow are sufficient to destroy th