Modeling the Effect of Water Activity, pH, and Temperature on the Probability of Enterotoxin A Production by Staphylococcus aureus

The objectives of this study were to develop a probability model of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A (SEA) production as affected by water activity (a(w)), pH, and temperature in broth and assess its applicability for milk. The probability of SEA production was assessed in tryptic soy broth using 24 combinations of a(w) (0.86 to 0.99), pH (5.0 to 7.0), and storage temperature (10 to 30°C). The observed probabilities were fitted with a logistic regression to develop a probability model. The model had a concordant value of 97.5% and concordant index of 0.98, indicating that the model satisfactorily describes the probability of SEA production. The model showed that a(w), pH, and temperature were significant factors affecting the probability of toxin production. The model predictions were in good agreement with the observed values obtained from milk. The model may help manufacturers in selecting product pH and a(w) and storage temperatures to prevent SEA production.