Starvation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in artificial urine containing betaine.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli starved in artificial urine, showed a progressive decline in viability. The presence of betaine in the urine did not significantly increase the survival rate as assessed by plate counts and by measuring the metabolic activity of the population. Previous growth of the starved population in betaine or tryptone did not enhance survival.