RESUMEN
The effect of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (EO; 0%, 0.005%, and 0.015%), nisin (0, 0.125, and 0.25 microL/mL), and their combinations on the production of staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) and alpha-hemolysin (alpha-toxin) by Staphylococcus aureus at different inoculation levels (10(3), 10(4), and 10(5) cfu/mL) in brain heart infusion broth during storage at 35 degrees C for up to 43 days was evaluated. The SEC production was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited and the hemolysis due to alpha-toxin was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by EO concentration at levels 0.015% and 0.005%, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect of EO on SEC production at level 0.005% was observed when it was used in combination with nisin = 0.125 microL/mL. The significant (p < 0.05) synergistic effect of EO = 0.005% and nisin = 0.125 microL/mL was also observed as more reduction of hemolysis due to alpha-toxin than EO = 0.005% alone. Further, EO significantly (p < 0.05) prevented SEC production by S. aureus during the manufacturing process of a traditional Iranian white brined cheese (as a food model) even at its lowest concentration (5 microL/100 mL), in this study.