Microbial growth generally follows a predictable pattern, often represented by the bacterial growth curve, which consists of four main stages:
Lag Phase: Microbes adapt to their environment and prepare for growth, with little to no increase in number. Log Phase: Microbes reproduce at an exponential rate, rapidly increasing in number. Stationary Phase: Growth rate slows as resources become limited, and the number of new cells equals the number of dying cells. Death Phase: Nutrient depletion and waste accumulation lead to a decline in the microbial population.
Recognizing these stages helps epidemiologists predict and manage the spread of infections.
