Inactivation of the gene katA or sodA affects the transient entry into the viable but non-culturable response of Staphylococcus aureus in natural seawater at low temperature

► This work deals with a subject of major importance in the much disputed area of the survival of human pathogen in the marine environment and resuscitation from the viable but non-culturable state. ► We demonstrate that temperature is an important factor for Staphylococcus aureus to develop a long-term starvation survival or a VBNC state. ► On the basis on the mutants used, our research showed for the first time the implication of an endogenous oxidative stress in the loss of culturability at 4 °C. ► The role of katA and sodA genes in the protection of cells against reactive oxygen species was also highlighted.