STARVATION STRESS IN BACTERIA, CONSEQUENC ES IN FOOD MICROBIOLOGY

In response to starvation, bacteria may be stressed and develop mechan ism to remain viable. By enhancing rates of macromolecular degradation and protein synthesis, they can enhance resistance to others stresses like heat shock. Moreover, starved bacteria can enter a viable but no n culturable state. Then, they fail to grow on selective media under l aboratory conditions. They can be present in food and stay able to ini tiate humans' illness. These bacteria are feared by hygienists but are uneasy to detect in food.