The Acetate Requirement of Streptococcus Faecalis

The growth stimulatory effects of acetate on lactic acid bacteria are well known (Snell et al., 1937, Guirard et al., 1946), as are the effects from replacement of the acetate by a-lipoic acid (Snell and Broquist, 1949). The growth effects of acetate (or lipoic acid) on lactic acid bacteria, thus far demonstrated, pertain to the stimulation of rate and the more ready initiation of growth (Guirard et al., 1946), and to its effects in overcoming antagonists of either substance (Stokstad, 1954). The present report deals with the absolute requirement for acetate, or lipoic acid plus thiamin, by Streptococcus faecalis strain ATCC 9790 under certain specific growth conditions.