How do elevated temperatures affect bacterial growth?

Elevated temperatures generally inhibit bacterial growth because most bacteria have an optimal temperature range for growth which, when exceeded, can disrupt cellular processes. Increased temperatures can lead to denaturation of proteins, destabilization of cell membranes, and interference with metabolic pathways. These factors collectively hinder the ability of bacteria to proliferate and can ultimately result in cell death if the temperature is too high for too long.

While some bacteria, particularly thermophiles, thrive at elevated temperatures, the vast majority of pathogenic and environmental bacteria are adapted to moderate temperatures around human body temperature or slightly higher. Thus, for most bacterial strains, exposure to temperatures well above their optimal range negatively impacts their growth capabilities.