Resistance of cold- and starvation-stressed Vibrio vulnificus to heat and freeze-thaw exposure.

The effects of cold storage and starvation on the subsequent heat resistance and freeze-thaw resistance of Vibrio vulnificus were studied. Three strains of V. vulnificus were evaluated. Cold stress had no effect on freeze-thaw resistance (P > 0.05). Starvation enhanced freeze-thaw resistance for one strain compared to controls (P < 0.05). V. vulnificus was not heat resistant; control populations were inactivated within 12 min at 47 degrees C. Starvation increased heat tolerance for one strain, but differences were small from a processing perspective (P < 0.05). Cold stress had no effect on heat resistance (P > 0.05). Cold adaptation (holding 4 h at 15 degrees C) enhanced cold temperature (5 degrees C) tolerance. This information will be helpful in the development of methods to minimize V. vulnificus risk.