Enterococci Bacteria

The red colonies you are looking at on this plate are enterococcus bacteria. They were cultured on mE agar for 48 hours at 35°C.

Enterococcus bacteria are a valuable indicator for determining the extent of fecal contamination of recreational surface waters. Studies have shown that swimming associated gastroenteritis is related directly to the quality of the bathing water and that enterococci are the most efficient bacterial indicator of water quality. Water quality guidelines have been proposed based on enterococcal density.

Recreational fresh waters should have less than 33 enterococci/100ml and marine waters should have less than 35 enterococci/100ml.

*Illustration utilized from Water Microbiolgy Laboratory and Field Procedures, Millipore Corportation, 1992.

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