Surviving the Acid Test: Responses of Gram-positive Bacteria to Low PH

Overview

Journal Microbiol Mol Biol Rev

Publisher American Society for Microbiology

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2003 Sep 11

PMID 12966143

Citations 366

Authors

Paul D Cotter

Colin Hill

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Gram-positive bacteria possess a myriad of acid resistance systems that can help them to overcome the challenge posed by different acidic environments. In this review the most common mechanisms are described: i.e., the use of proton pumps, the protection or repair of macromolecules, cell membrane changes, production of alkali, induction of pathways by transcriptional regulators, alteration of metabolism, and the role of cell density and cell signaling. We also discuss the responses of Listeria monocytogenes, Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, oral streptococci, and lactic acid bacteria to acidic environments and outline ways in which this knowledge has been or may be used to either aid or prevent bacterial survival in low-pH environments.

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