Growth curves of the cells were studied based on the number of viable cells determined through a colony counting method in
plates. The inoculum (0.l ml samples from a tenfold dilution in distilled water) was spread on the agar surface. Plates were incubated at 37 C for 24 h, and the number of viable cells counted. Results were expressed as colony forming units (CFU/ml). Three counts were performed for each sample