Inhibition of Spores of <i>Clostridium</i> spp. by Sodium Nitrite

Abstract

S ummary . Sodium nitrite heated in a laboratory medium was more inhibitory to spores of Clostridium spp. than nitrite added as a filter‐sterilized solution to the same medium. Most spores remained refractile after inhibition for &gt;3 months and some proved viable when inoculated into fresh nitrite‐free medium. The inhibitory activity of heated nitrite medium was not stable indefinitely, growth sometimes occurred on re‐inoculation with vegetative cells.