MODELING GERMINATION KINETICS OF SPORES OF CLOSTRIDIUM-TYROBUTYRICUM - A TOOL FOR PREDICTIVE MICROBIOLOGY

Germination of spores of Clostridium tyrobutyricum between 9 degrees a nd 45 degrees C was followed by the decrease in optical density of the spore suspension. An empirical equation with three parameters is prop osed to describe the time-course of spore germination. Each parameter of the model has a direct biological significance and is modelled vs t emperature. In the framework of predictive microbiology, the equation may be used for the prediction of the overall lag time of growth.