ROLE OF RPOS IN SURVIVAL OF YERSINIA-ENTEROCOLITICA TO A VARIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES

rpoS, a gene that encodes an alternative sigma factor (also known as k atF), is critical for the ability of Yersinia enterocolitica grown at 37 degrees C, but not at 26 degrees C, to survive diverse environmenta l insults such as high temperature, hydrogen peroxide, osmolarity, and low pH. However, a Y. enterocolitica rpoS mutant was not affected in expression of inv or ail, invasion of tissue culture cells, or virulen ce in mice.