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Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, September 2003, p. 429-453, Vol. 67, No. 3
1092-2172/03/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.67.3.429-453.2003
Copyright © 2003, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Surviving the Acid Test: Responses of Gram-Positive Bacteria to Low pH

Paul D. Cotter and Colin Hill*

Department of Microbiology and National Food Biotechnology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

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 reponses 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.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. Phone: 353-21-4902397. Fax: 353-21-4903101. E-mail: c.hill{at}ucc.ie.

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, September 2003, p. 429-453, Vol. 67, No. 3
1092-2172/03/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.67.3.429-453.2003
Copyright © 2003, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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