6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Protecting and Promoting Your Health

BAM: Enumeration of Escherichia coli

and the Coliform Bacteria
September 2002

Bacteriological Analytical Manual

Chapter 4
Enumeration of Escherichia coli and the Coliform Bacteria
Authors: Peter Feng (mailto:[email protected]), Stephen D. Weagant (ret.), Michael A. Grant
(dec.), William Burkhardt (mailto:[email protected])

Revision History:

February 2013 ­ Shellfish analysis method revised to be consistent with the APHA Examination of
seawater and shellfish, 4th ed.
February 2013 ­ Membrane filter methods added to water analysis.

Chapter Contents

Conventional Method for Determining Coliforms and E. coli

LST­MUG Method for Detecting E. coli in Chilled or Frozen Foods Exclusive of
Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish
Bottled Water
Examination of Shellfish and Shellfish Meats
Analysis for E. coli in citrus juices
Other Methods for Enumerating Coliforms and E. coli
References
Escherichia coli, originally known as Bacterium coli commune, was identified in 1885 by the German
pediatrician, Theodor Escherich (14, 29). E. coli is widely distributed in the intestine of humans and warm­
blooded animals and is the predominant facultative anaerobe in the bowel and part of the essential
intestinal flora that maintains the physiology of the healthy host (9, 29). E. coli is a member of the family
Enterobacteriaceae (15), which includes many genera, including known pathogens such as Salmonella,
Shigella, and Yersinia. Although most strains of E. coli are not regarded as pathogens, they can be
opportunistic pathogens that cause infections in immunocompromised hosts. There are also pathogenic
strains of E. coli that when ingested, causes gastrointestinal illness in healthy humans (see Chap. 4A).

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In 1892, Shardinger proposed the use of E. coli as an indicator of fecal contamination. This was based on
the premise that E. coli is abundant in human and animal feces and not usually found in other niches.
Furthermore, since E. coli could be easily detected by its ability to ferment glucose (later changed to
lactose), it was easier to isolate than known gastrointestinal pathogens. Hence, the presence of E. coli in
food or water became accepted as indicative of recent fecal contamination and the possible presence of
frank pathogens. Although the concept of using E. coli as an indirect indicator of health risk was sound, it
was complicated in practice, due to the presence of other enteric bacteria like Citrobacter, Klebsiella and
Enterobacter that can also ferment lactose and are similar to E. coli in phenotypic characteristics, so that
they are not easily distinguished. As a result, the term "coliform" was coined to describe this group of
enteric bacteria. Coliform is not a taxonomic classification but rather a working definition used to describe a
group of Gram­negative, facultative anaerobic rod­shaped bacteria that ferments lactose to produce acid
and gas within 48 h at 35°C. In 1914, the U.S. Public Health Service adopted the enumeration of coliforms
as a more convenient standard of sanitary significance.

Although coliforms were easy to detect, their association with fecal contamination was questionable
because some coliforms are found naturally in environmental samples (6). This led to the introduction of the
fecal coliforms as an indicator of contamination. Fecal coliform, first defined based on the works of Eijkman
(12) is a subset of total coliforms that grows and ferments lactose at elevated incubation temperature,
hence also referred to as thermotolerant coliforms. Fecal coliform analyses are done at 45.5°C for food
testing, except for water, shellfish and shellfish harvest water analyses, which use 44.5°C (1, 3, 30). The
fecal coliform group consists mostly of E. coli but some other enterics such as Klebsiella can also ferment
lactose at these temperatures and therefore, be considered as fecal coliforms. The inclusion of Klebsiella
spp in the working definition of fecal coliforms diminished the correlation of this group with fecal
contamination. As a result, E. coli has reemerged as an indicator, partly facilitated by the introduction of
newer methods that can rapidly identify E. coli.

Currently, all 3 groups are used as indicators but in different applications. Detection of coliforms is used as
an indicator of sanitary quality of water or as a general indicator of sanitary condition in the food­processing
environment. Fecal coliforms remain the standard indicator of choice for shellfish and shellfish harvest
waters; and E. coli is used to indicate recent fecal contamination or unsanitary processing. Almost all the
methods used to detect E. coli, total coliforms or fecal coliforms are enumeration methods that are based
on lactose fermentation (4). The Most Probable Number (MPN) method is a statistical, multi­step assay
consisting of presumptive, confirmed and completed phases. In the assay, serial dilutions of a sample are
inoculated into broth media. Analysts score the number of gas positive (fermentation of lactose) tubes, from
which the other 2 phases of the assay are performed, and then uses the combinations of positive results to
consult a statistical table (Appendix 2
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm109656.htm)), to estimate the number of
organisms present. Typically only the first 2 phases are performed in coliform and fecal coliform analysis,
while all 3 phases are done for E. coli. The 3­tube MPN test is used for testing most foods. Analysis of
seawater using a multiple dilution series should not use less than 3 tubes per dilution (5 tubes are
recommended); in certain instances a single dilution series using no less than 12 tubes may also be
acceptable. (For additional details, see: FDA. National Shellfish Sanitation Program, Manual of
Operations. 2009 Revision. DHHS/PHS/FDA, Washington DC). Likewise, analysis of bivalve molluscan
shellfish should be performed using a multiple dilution MPN series whereby no fewer than 5­ tubes per
dilution should be used, see section IV. There is also a 10­tube MPN method that is used to test bottled
water or samples that are not expected to be highly contaminated (3). Analysis of citrus juice for E. coli is
performed as an absence/presence method, see section V.

Also, there is a solid medium plating method for coliforms that uses Violet Red Bile Agar, which contains
neutral red pH indicator, so that lactose fermentation results in formation of pink colonies. There are also
membrane filtration tests for coliform and fecal coliform that measure aldehyde formation due to

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fermentation of lactose. This chapter also includes variations of above tests that use fluorogenic substrates
to detect E. coli (18), special tests for shellfish analysis, a brief consideration of bottled water testing and a
method for testing large volumes of citrus juices for presence of E. coli in conjunction with the Juice
HACCP rule.

I. Conventional Method for coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli

A. Equipment and materials

1. Covered water bath, with circulating system to maintain temperature of 45.5 ± 0.2°C.
Note: The temperature for water baths for the shellfish program is 44.5°C ± 0.2°C. Water level
should be above the medium in immersed tubes.
2. Immersion­type thermometer, 1­55°C, about 55 cm long, with 0.1°C subdivisions, certified by
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), or equivalent
3. Incubator, 35 ± 1.0°C
Note: The incubator temp for the shellfish program is 35°C ± 0.5°C
4. Balance with capacity of >2 kg and sensitivity of 0.1 g
5. Blender and blender jar (see Chapter 1)
6. Sterile graduated pipets, 1.0 and 10.0 mL
7. Sterile utensils for sample handling (see Chapter 1)
8. Dilution bottles made of borosilicate glass, with polyethylene screw caps equipped with Teflon
liners. Commercially prepared dilution bottles containing sterile Butterfield's phosphate buffer can
also be used.
9. Quebec colony counter, or equivalent, with magnifying lens
10. Longwave UV light [~365 nm], not to exceed 6 W.
11. pH meter
B. Media (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm055778.htm) and Reagents
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm055791.htm)

1. Brilliant green lactose bile (BGLB) broth, 2% (M25

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm063363.htm))
2. Lauryl tryptose (LST) broth (M76
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064426.htm))
3. Lactose Broth (M74 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064414.htm))
4. EC broth (M49 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064300.htm))
5. Levine's eosin­methylene blue (L­EMB) agar (M80
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064449.htm))
6. Tryptone (tryptophane) broth (M164
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm063867.htm))
7. MR­VP broth (M104 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064068.htm))
8. Koser's citrate broth (M72

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(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064411.htm))
9. Plate count agar (PCA) (standard methods) (M124
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm063501.htm))
10. Butterfield's phosphate­buffered water (R11
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm061208.htm)) or equivalent diluent
(Note: This same formulation is referred to as Buffered Dilution Water in American Public
Health Association. 1970. Recommended Procedures for the Examination of Seawater and
Shellfish, 4th ed. APHA, Washington, DC., p14­15)
11. Kovacs' reagent (R38 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062242.htm))
12. Voges­Proskauer (VP) reagents (R89
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm061693.htm))
13. Gram stain reagents (R32
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062229.htm))
14. Methyl red indicator (R44
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062248.htm))
15. Violet red bile agar (VRBA) (M174
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062976.htm))
16. VRBA­MUG agar (M175
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062978.htm))
17. EC­MUG medium (M50
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064303.htm))
18. Lauryl tryptose MUG (LST­MUG) broth (M77
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064431.htm))
19. Peptone Diluent, 0.5% (R97
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm339831.htm))
C. MPN ­ Presumptive test for coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli
Weigh 50 g of food into sterile high­speed blender jar (see Chapter 1 and current FDA compliance
programs for instructions on sample size and compositing) Frozen samples can be softened by storing
for <18 h at 2­5°C, but do not thaw. Add 450 mL of Butterfield's phosphate­buffered water and blend
for 2 min. If <50 g of sample are available, weigh portion that is equivalent to half of the sample and
add sufficient volume of sterile diluent to make a 1:10 dilution. The total volume in the blender jar
should completely cover the blades.
Prepare decimal dilutions with sterile Butterfield's phosphate diluent or equivalent. Number of dilutions
to be prepared depends on anticipated coliform density. Shake all suspensions 25 times in 30 cm arc
or vortex mix for 7 s. Using at least 3 consecutive dilutions, inoculate 1 mL aliquots from each dilution
into 3 LST tubes for a 3 tube MPN analysis (other analysis may require the use of 5 tubes for each
dilution; See IV). Lactose Broth may also be used. For better accuracy, use a 1 mL or 5 mL pipet for
inoculation. Do not use pipets to deliver <10% of their total volume; eg. a 10 mL pipet to deliver 0.5
ml. Hold pipet at angle so that its lower edge rests against the tube. Not more than 15 min should
elapse from time the sample is blended until all dilutions are inoculated in appropriate media.
Incubate LST tubes at 35°C± 0.5°C . Examine tubes and record reactions at 24 ± 2 h for gas, i.e.,
displacement of medium in fermentation vial or effervescence when tubes are gently agitated. Re­
incubate gas­negative tubes for an additional 24 h and examine and record reactions again at 48 ± 3
h. Perform confirmed test on all presumptive positive (gas) tubes.

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D. MPN ­ Confirmed test for coliforms

From each gassing LST or lactose broth tube, transfer a loopful of suspension to a tube of BGLB
broth, avoiding pellicle if present. (a sterile wooden applicator stick may also be used for these
transfers). Incubate BGLB tubes at 35°C± 0.5°C and examine for gas production at 48 ± 3 h.
Calculate most probable number (MPN) (see Appendix 2
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm109656.htm)) of coliforms based on
proportion of confirmed gassing LST tubes for 3 consecutive dilutions.
E. MPN ­ Confirmed test for fecal coliforms and E. coli
From each gassing LST or Lactose broth tube from the Presumptive test, transfer a loopful of each
suspension to a tube of EC broth (a sterile wooden applicator stick may also be used for these
transfers). Incubate EC tubes 24 ± 2 h at 45.5 °C and examine for gas production. If negative,
reincubate and examine again at 48 ± 2 h. Use results of this test to calculate fecal coliform MPN. To
continue with E. coli analysis, proceed to Section F below. The EC broth MPN method may be used
for seawater and shellfish since it conforms to recommended procedures (1). (Caution: see Note
below).
NOTE: Fecal coliform analyses are done at 45.5± 0.2°C for all foods, except for water testing and in
shellfish and shellfish harvest water analysis, which uses an incubation temperature of 44.5± 0.2°C
(1).
F. MPN ­ Completed test for E. coli.
To perform the completed test for E. coli, gently agitate each gassing EC tube, remove a loopful of
broth and streak for isolation on a L­EMB agar plate and incubate for 18­24 h at 35°C± 0.5°C .
Examine plates for suspicious E. coli colonies, i.e., dark centered and flat, with or without metallic
sheen. Transfer up to 5 suspicious colonies from each L­EMB plate to PCA slants, incubate them for
18­24 h at 35°C± 0.5°C and use for further testing.
NOTE: Identification of any 1 of the 5 colonies as E. coli is sufficient to regard that EC tube as positive;
hence, not all 5 isolates may need to be tested.
Perform Gram stain. All cultures appearing as Gram­negative, short rods should be tested for the
IMViC reactions below and also re­inoculated back into LST to confirm gas production.
Indole production. Inoculate tube of tryptone broth and incubate 24 ± 2 h at 35°C± 0.5°C . Test for
indole by adding 0.2­0.3 mL of Kovacs' reagent. Appearance of distinct red color in upper layer is
positive test.
Voges­Proskauer (VP)­reactive compounds. Inoculate tube of MR­VP broth and incubate 48 ± 2 h at
35°C± 0.5°C . Transfer 1 mL to 13 × 100 mm tube. Add 0.6 mL α­naphthol solution and 0.2 mL 40%
KOH, and shake. Add a few crystals of creatine. Shake and let stand 2 h. Test is positive if eosin pink
color develops.
Methyl red­reactive compounds. After VP test, incubate MR­VP tube additional 48 ± 2 h at 35°C±
0.5°C . Add 5 drops of methyl red solution to each tube. Distinct red color is positive test. Yellow is
negative reaction.
Citrate. Lightly inoculate tube of Koser's citrate broth; avoid detectable turbidity. Incubate for 96 h at
35°C± 0.5°C . Development of distinct turbidity is positive reaction.
Gas from lactose. Inoculate a tube of LST and incubate 48 ± 2 h at 35°C± 0.5°C . Gas production
(displacement of medium from inner vial) or effervescence after gentle agitation is positive reaction.

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Interpretation: All cultures that (a) ferment lactose with gas production within 48 h at 35°C, (b)
appear as Gram­negative nonsporeforming rods and (c) give IMViC patterns of ++­­ (biotype 1) or ­+­­
(biotype 2) are considered to be E. coli. Calculate MPN (see Appendix 2) of E. coli based on
proportion of EC tubes in 3 successive dilutions that contain E. coli.
NOTE: Alternatively, instead of performing the IMViC test, use API20E or the automated VITEK
biochemical assay to identify the organism as E. coli. Use growth from the PCA slants and perform
these assays as described by the manufacturer.
G. Solid medium method ­ Coliforms
Prepare violet red bile agar (VRBA) according to manufacturer's instructions. Cool to 48°C before
use. Prepare, homogenize, and decimally dilute sample as described in section I. C above so that
isolated colonies will be obtained when plated. Transfer two 1 mL aliquots of each dilution to petri
dishes, and use either of the following two pour plating methods, depending on whether injured or
stressed cells are suspected to be present (1).
Pour 10 mL VRBA tempered to 48°C into plates, swirl plates to mix, and let solidify. To prevent surface
growth and spreading of colonies, overlay with 5 mL VRBA, and let solidify. If resuscitation is
necessary, pour a basal layer of 8­10 mL of tryptic soy agar tempered to 48°C. Swirl plates to mix, and
incubate at room temperature for 2 ± 0.5 h. Then overlay with 8­10 mL of melted, cooled VRBA and
let solidify.
Invert solidified plates and incubate 18­24 h at 35°C. Incubate dairy products at 32°C (2). Examine
plates under magnifying lens and with illumination. Count purple­red colonies that are 0.5 mm or larger
in diameter and surrounded by zone of precipitated bile acids. Plates should have 25­250 colonies. To
confirm that the colonies are coliforms, pick at least 10 representative colonies and transfer each to a
tube of BGLB broth. Incubate tubes at 35°C. Examine at 24 and 48 h for gas production.
NOTE: If gas­positive BGLB tube shows a pellicle, perform Gram stain to ensure that gas production
was not due to Gram­positive, lactose­fermenting bacilli.
Determine the number of co Food homogenates will easily clog filters, hence MF are most suitable for
analysis of water samples; however, MF may be used in the analysis of liquid foods that do not contain
high levels of particulate matter such as bottled water (see Section III for application of MF) .liforms
per gram by multiplying the number of suspect colonies by percent confirmed in BGLB by dilution
factor.
Alternatively, E. coli colonies can be distinguished among the coliform colonies on VRBA by adding
100 µg of 4­methyl­umbelliferyl­β­D­glucuronide (MUG) per mL in the VRBA overlay. After incubation,
observe for bluish fluorescence around colonies under longwave UV light. (see LST­MUG section II for
theory and applicability.)
H. Membrane Filtration (MF) Method ­ coliforms: see Section III. Bottled Water.
Food homogenates will easily clog filters, hence MF are most suitable for analysis of water samples;
however, MF may be used in the analysis of liquid foods that do not contain high levels of particulate
matter such as bottled water (see Section III for application of MF).

II. LST­MUG Method for Detecting E. coli in Chilled or Frozen Foods Exclusive of Bivalve
Molluscan Shellfish
The LST­MUG assay is based on the enzymatic activity of β­glucuronidase (GUD), which cleaves the
substrate 4­methylumbelliferyl β­D­glucuronide (MUG), to release 4­methylumbelliferone (MU). When
exposed to longwave (365 nm) UV light, MU exhibits a bluish fluorescence that is easily visualized in the
medium or around the colonies. Over 95% of E. coli produces GUD, including anaerogenic (non­gas­

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producing) strains. One exception is enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) of serotype O157:H7, which is
consistently GUD negative (11, 17). The lack of GUD phenotype in O157:H7 is often used to differentiate
this serotype from other E. coli, although GUD positive variants of O157:H7 do exist (24, 26). The
production of GUD by other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae is rare, except for some shigellae
(44 ­58%) and salmonellae (20­29%) (18, 27). However, the inadvertent detection of these pathogens by
GUD­based assays is not considered a drawback from a public health perspective. Expression of GUD
activity is affected by catabolite repression (8) so on occasion, some E. coli are GUD­negative, even
though they carry the uidA gene (gusA) that encodes for the enzyme (19). In most analyses however,
about 96% of E. coli isolates tested are GUD­positive without the need for enzyme induction (27).

MUG can be incorporated into almost any medium for use in detecting E. coli. But some media such as
EMB, which contain fluorescent components, are not suitable, as they will mask the fluorescence of MU.
When MUG is incorporated into LST medium, coliforms can be enumerated on the basis of gas production
from lactose and E. coli are presumptively identified by fluorescence in the medium under longwave UV
light, thus it is capable of providing a presumptive identification of E. coli within 24 h (18, 28). The LST­
MUG method described below has been adopted as Official Final Action by the AOAC for testing for E. coli
in chilled or frozen foods, exclusive of shellfish (28). See Sec. IV.4. D. for precautions in using MUG in
testing shellfish. For information on MUG assay contact, Dr. Peter Feng
(mailto:[email protected]) FDA, CFSAN, College Park, MD, 20740; 240­402­1650.

CAUTION: To observe for fluorescence, examine inoculated LST­MUG tubes under longwave (365 nm)
UV light in the dark. A 6­watt hand­held UV lamp is adequate and safe. When using a more powerful UV
source, such as a 15­watt fluorescent lamp, wear protective glasses or goggles. Also, prior to use in MUG
assays, examine all glass tubes for auto fluorescence. Cerium oxide, which is sometimes added to glass as
a quality control measure, will fluoresce under UV light and interfere with the MUG test (25). The use of
positive and negative control strains for MUG reaction is essential.

A. Equipment and material: see section I.A above and in addition,

1. New, disposable borosilicate glass tubes (100 × 16 mm)

2. New, disposable borosilicate glass Durham vials (50 × 9 mm) for gas collection
3. Longwave UV lamp, not to exceed 6­watt
B. Media and reagents: see section I.B above
C. Presumptive LST­MUG test for E. coli.

Prepare food samples and perform the MPN Presumptive test as described in section I.C. above, except
use LST­MUG tubes instead of LST. Be sure to inoculate one tube of LST­MUG with a known GUD­
positive E. coli isolate as positive control (ATCC 25922). In addition, inoculate another tube with a culture of
Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048) culture of Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048) or a Klebsiella
pneumoniae strain as negative control, to facilitate differentiation of sample tubes that show only growth
from those showing both growth and fluorescence. Incubate tubes for 24 to 48 ± 2 h at 35°C. Examine
each tube for growth (turbidity, gas) then examine tubes in the dark under longwave UV lamp (365 nm). A
bluish fluorescence is a positive presumptive test for E. coli. Studies by Moberg et al. (28) show that a 24 h
fluorescence reading is an accurate predictor of E. coli and can identify 83­95% of the E. coli­positive
tubes. After 48 h of incubation, 96­100% of E. coli­positive tubes can be identified (28). Perform a
confirmed test on all presumptive positive tubes by streaking a loopful of suspension from each fluorescing
tube to L­EMB agar and incubate 24 ± 2 h at 35°C. Follow protocols outlined in I. F, above, for Completed
test for E. coli. Calculate MPN of E. coli based on combination of confirmed fluorescing tubes in 3
successive dilutions.

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III. Examination of Bottled Water

Consumption of bottled water is increasing rapidly worldwide. In the U.S. alone, over 3.6 billion gallons of
bottled water were consumed in 1998 (International Bottled Water Association, Alexandria, VA). Unlike
potable water, which is regulated by the U.S. EPA, bottled water is legally classified as food in the U.S. and
regulated by the FDA (Federal Register. 1995. 21 CFR Part 103 et al. beverages: bottled water; final rule.
60(218) 57076­57130). FDA defines bottled water as "water that is intended for human consumption and
that is sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients except that it may contain safe and
suitable antimicrobial agents" and, within limitations, some added fluoride. Bottled water may be used as a
beverage by itself or as an ingredient in other beverages. These regulations do not apply to soft drinks or
similar beverages. In addition to "bottled water" or "drinking water", in 21 CFR Part 103 FDA also defines
various types of bottled water that meet certain criteria. These identities include "artesian or artesian well
water", "ground water", mineral water", "purified or demineralized water", "sparkling bottled water", "spring
water" and "well water". Additionally "sterile water" is defined as water that meets the requirements under
the "Sterility Test" in the United States Pharmacopeia.

Coliform organisms are not necessarily pathogens and are rarely found in bottled water, however, they
serve as an indicator of insanitation or possible contamination. Surveys have shown that coliforms are
useful indicators of bottled water quality, but some countries also monitor additional microbial populations
as indicators of bottle water quality (10, 33). Under the current bottled water quality standard, FDA has
established a microbiological quality requirement that is based on coliform detection levels. These levels
may be obtained by membrane filtration (MF) or by 10­tube MPN analysis of ten 10­mL analytical units. For
information on bottled water methods contact Dr. Peter Feng (mailto:[email protected]), FDA,
CFSAN, College Park, MD, 20740; 240­402­1650.

A. Equipment and Materials.

1. Incubator at 35° ± 0.5°C.

2. Membrane filtration units (filter base and funnels): glass, plastic, or stainless steel; wrapped in foil
or paper and sterilized.
3. Ultraviolet sterilization chamber for sterilizing filter base and funnels (optional).
4. Filter manifold or vacuum flask to hold filter funnels.
5. Vacuum source (line vacuum, electric vacuum pump or water aspirator).
6. Membrane filters; sterile, white, gridded, 47 mm diameter, 0.45 µm pore size (or equivalent, as
specified by the manufacturer) for enumeration of bacteria.
7. Petri dishes, sterile, plastic, 50 × 12 mm, with tight fitting lids.
8. Forceps designed to transfer membranes without damage.
B. Culture media.

1. Lauryl sulfate tryptose (LST) broth (M­76

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064426.htm)).
2. Brilliant green lactose bile broth (BGLB) (M­25
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm063363.htm)).
3. M­Endo Medium (BD#274930) (M­196
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm338042.htm)).
4. LES­Endo Agar (BD#273620) (M­197
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm338043.htm)).

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C. Ten tube MPN coliform test ­ Presumptive and Confirmed procedures.

For routine examination of bottled water, take 100 mL of sample and inoculate 10 tubes of 2X LST (10
mL of medium) with 10 mL of undiluted sample each. Incubate tubes at 35°C. Examine tubes at 24 ± 2
h for growth and gas formation as evidenced by displacement of medium in fermentation vial or
effervescence when tubes are gently agitated. If negative at 24 h, reincubate tubes for an additional 24
h and examine again for gas. Perform a confirmed test on all presumptive positive (gassing) tubes as
follows: gently agitate each positive LST tube and, using a 3.0 ­ 3.5 mm sterile loop, transfer one or
more loopfuls of suspension to a tube of BGLB broth. Sterile wooden applicator sticks may also be
used for transfer by inserting it at least 2.5 cm into the broth culture. Incubate BGLB tubes for 48 ± 2 h
at 35°C. Examine for gas production and record. Calculate MPN using 10 tube MPN Table (9221.III),
p. 9­52, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (3).
NOTE: if a sample is found to contain coliforms (at any level) follow procedure outlined in Sec. I. F.
above to determine if it is E. coli. Bottled water is not permitted to contain E. coli.
D. Membrane filter method for coliforms.
Filter 100 mL of test sample and transfer the filter to M­Endo medium (M­196
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm338042.htm)) or LES Endo Agar (M­197
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm338043.htm)) and incubate at 35 °C±
0.5°C for 22­24 h. Count colonies that are pink to dark red with a green metallic surface sheen. The
sheen may vary from pinpoint to complete coverage of the colony. Use of a low power, dissecting­type
microscope to examine filters is recommended.
Confirmation ­ If there are 5 to 10 sheen colonies on the filter, confirm all by inoculating growth from
each sheen colony into tubes of LST and incubate at 35 °C± 0.5°C for 48 h. If the number of sheen
colonies exceeds 10, randomly select and confirm 10 colonies that are representative of all sheen
colonies. Any gas positive LST tubes should be sub cultured to BGLB and incubated at 35°C±
0.5°C for 48 hr. Gas production in BGLB within 48 h is a confirmed coliform test. Report results as
number of coliform colonies per 100 mL. NOTE: Standard Method, 1998, 20th ed, p. 9­60 (3), allows
for simultaneous inoculation of LST and BGLB during verification. However, BGLB is somewhat
inhibitory so the method described above, where samples are sub cultured from LST into BGLB is
regarded as a more sensitive verification assay and therefore, recommended.
NOTE: if a sample is found to contain coliforms (at any level) follow procedure outlined in Sec. I. F.
above to determine if it is E. coli. Bottled water is not permitted to contain E. coli.

IV. Examination of Shellfish and Shellfish Meats

The official FDA procedure for bacteriological analysis of domestic and imported bivalve molluscan shellfish
is fully and properly described in the APHA's Recommended Procedures for the Examination of Sea Water
and Shellfish, 4th ed. 1970 (1). The methods, including the conventional 5­tube MPN for coliform, fecal
coliform and standard total plate count for bacteria (see Part III, APHA's Recommended Procedures the
Examination of Sea Water and Shellfish, 4th ed. 1970 (1), are described below for examining shell stock,
fresh­shucked meats, fresh­shucked frozen shellfish, and shellfish frozen on the half shell. These
procedures do not apply to the examination of crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, and shrimp) or to processed
shellfish meats such as breaded, shucked, pre­cooked, and heat­processed products (see section I. C. this
chapter). Also, there are many methods that are used for testing for shellfish harvest and environmental
water for fecal coliforms. One example, the mTEC agar (M­198
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm338563.htm)) is a suitable membrane filter
medium for enumerating fecal coliforms in marine and estuarine waters. Briefly, following the filtration of
100 ml of water, the filter funnels should be rinsed twice with approx. 20 ml of PBS. The filter is then
transferred onto mTEC agar and incubated for 22­24 h at 44.5°C in Ethyfoam. All yellow, yellow­green or

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6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

yellow­brown colonies are counted as fecal coliforms. Only plates having fewer than 80 colonies are
counted. However, analysis of environmental waters will not be covered in detail here, as environmental
water analyses are done by the U.S. EPA (3) and the quality of shellfish harvest waters are mainly the
responsibilities of each State's Shellfish Control Authorities (20).

A. Sample Preparation
Using 10­12 shellfish, obtain 200 g of shellfish liquor and meat. Blend 2 min, with 200 mL sterile
phosphate buffered dilution water or 0.5% peptone water (R97
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm339831.htm)) to yield a 1:2 dilution of
sample. Analysis of the ground sample must begin within 2 min after blending. Make serial dilutions in
0.5% sterile peptone water or sterile phosphate buffered dilution water.
B. MPN ­ Presumptive and Confirmed Test for Coliform
Use Lactose Broth (M74 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064414.htm)) or
Lauryl Tryptose Broth (M76
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064426.htm)), at single strength in 10 ml
volumes. For 5­tube MPN analysis, inoculate the 5 tubes at each dilution as follows:
To each of 5 tubes, add 2 mL of the blended homogenate (equivalent to 1 g of shellfish).

To each of 5 tubes, add 1 mL of 1:10 dilution of homogenate (0.1 g shellfish).

To each of 5 tubes, add 1 mL of 1:100 dilution of homogenate (0.01 g shellfish).

To each of 5 tubes, add 1 mL of 1:1000 dilution of homogenate (0.001 g shellfish).

Further dilutions may be necessary to avoid indeterminate results. Incubate tubes at 35°C ± 0.5°C
then follow instructions in section 1.C and perform Confirmed test as in 1.D above, under
"Conventional Method for Coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli". Calculate MPN as described in
section 1.D above, except that shellfish analysis specifies that the coliform density be expressed as
MPN per 100 g of sample rather than per g.
C. MPN ­ Presumptive and Confirmed Test for Fecal Coliforms in Shellfish
Perform presumptive test as described in section II above. To confirm positive tubes, transfer one
loopful from gas positive LST tubes to EC broth and incubate in a covered circulating waterbath at
44.5°±0.2°C for 24 ± 2 hr. Gas production in EC is a positive confirmed test for fecal coliforms.
Calculate the MPN per 100 g for fecal coliforms as described above for coliform.
D. MPN ­ EC­MUG Method for Determining E. coli in Shellfish Meats
The MUG assay for β­glucuronidase (GUD) described above for detecting E. coli in chilled and frozen
food can also be used for testing for E. coli in shellfish meats; but with slight modifications. This is due
to the fact that foods such as shellfish meats contain natural GUD activity (32). As a result, oyster
homogenate inoculated directly into LST­MUG tubes in the Presumptive phase of the MPN test can
cause false positive fluorescence reactions. Hence, in the analysis of E. coli in shellfish meats, the
MUG reagent is added to the EC medium and used in the confirmatory phase of the assay. The EC­
MUG tubes, incubated at 44.5°C + 0.2°C, can be used in the confirmatory phase of a conventional 5­
tube MPN assay to determine fecal coliform levels in shellfish meats, then by examining tubes for
fluorescence under longwave UV, an E. coli MPN can also be readily obtained (32).
See section 1.A and 1.B above for materials and reagents required. Use commercially prepared
dehydrated EC­MUG, or prepare medium by adding MUG to EC broth (0.05 g/L) (M50
(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064303.htm)). Several sources of MUG

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6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

compound are suitable: Marcor Development Corp., Carlstadt, NJ; Biosynth International, Itasca, IL;
Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO and Hach Chemical, Loveland, CO. Dispense 5 mL into new
disposable borosilicate glass tubes (100 × 16 mm) containing, new disposable borosilicate glass
Durham vials (50 × 9 mm) for gas collection. Sterilize EC­MUG broth tubes at 121°C for 15 min; store
up to 1 week at room temperature or up to a month under refrigeration.
Perform the 5­tube MPN Presumptive and Confirmed Test for Fecal Coliforms in Shellfish as
described above in Section 3, except use EC­MUG tubes instead of EC for the confirmed test.
Determination of fluorescence in EC­MUG broth requires the use of 3 control tubes, one inoculated
with E. coli as positive control; one with Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048) or K. pneumoniae as
negative control; and an uninoculated tube as EC­MUG medium batch control. Inoculate the positive
and negative controls at the time when Confirmed test is being performed and incubate all tubes at
44.5°C ± 0.2°C for 24 h.
Read fluorescence as described above under LST­MUG assay. Note that some (<10%) E. coli are
anaerogenic (gas­negative), but should be MUG­positive. Include all fluorescence positive tubes in the
E. coli MPN calculations. Determine E. coli MPN/100g from the tables in the BAM (Appendix 2) using
combination of fluorescence positive tubes at each dilution.
NOTE: If analysis is to determine compliance with established E. coli limits, it will be necessary to
confirm the presence of E. coli in MUG positive tubes.

V. Analysis for E. coli in citrus juices

Analysis for E. coli has been implemented to identify potentially contaminated juices or for verifying the
effectiveness of HACCP during processing of unpasteurized juices (21 CFR Part 120, Vol. 66, No. 13,
January 19, 2001). The standard method commonly used for testing for E. coli is the MPN however, it does
not seem adequate for juice testing because of the acidity (pH 3.6 to 4.3) of juices, which can interfere with
the test, plus it only allows for testing 3.33 mL of sample. Unlike most E. coli methods, which are
enumeration assays, the following method is a simple Presence/Absence test that can examine 10­mL
volume of juices (34, 35). This assay, designated as modified ColiComplete (CC) Method, is a modification
of AOAC Official Method 992.30, which uses MUG for detection of E. coli (see Section on LST­MUG
Method for details).

A. Equipment and materials

1. Covered water bath, with circulating system to maintain temperature of 44.5 ± 0.2°C.
Water level should be above the medium in immersed tubes.
2. Incubator, 35 ± 0.5°C
3. Longwave UV light [~365 nm], not to exceed 6 W.
B. Media and reagents:

1. Universal Preenrichment Broth (UPEB) (M188

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm062927.htm)) or can be purchased
from BD(#223510)
2. EC medium (M49 (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm064300.htm))
3. ColiComplete (CC) discs (#10800) ­ BioControl, Bellevue, WA
C. Sample preparation, enrichment and analysis

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6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

Perform assay in duplicate. Aseptically, inoculate 10­mL portion of juice into 90 mL of UPEB and
incubate at 35°C ± 0.5°C for 24 h. After enrichment, mix and transfer 1­mL from each UPEB
enrichment broth into 9 mL of EC broth containing a CC disc. Incubate EC/CC broth tubes at 45.5±
0.2°C in a circulating water bath for24 ± 2 h. Include a tube inoculated with a MUG (+) E. coli strain as
positive control and another with K. pneumoniae or Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048) as
negative control. Examine tubes in the dark and under long wave UV light. The presence of blue
fluorescence in either tube is indicative that E. coli is present in the sample. Note: The CC discs also
contain X­gal, which when cleaved by β­galactosidase will yield blue color on or around the disc. This
reaction is analogous to measuring acid/gas production from fermentation of lactose hence, the
presence of blue color is indicative of coliforms.

VI. Other Methods for Enumerating Coliforms and E. coli

There are many other methods for enumerating coliforms and E. coli , including several that uses
fluorogenic reagents like MUG or other chromogenic substrates for presumptive detection and identification
of coliform and E. coli in foods. Many of these tests, such as the Petrifilm dry rehydratable film, the
hydrophobic grid membrane filter/MUG (HGMF/MUG) method (13), ColiComplete disc (16), Colilert
(AOAC 991.15), have been evaluated by collaborative studies and adopted as official first or final action by
the AOAC. There are also many modifications of the membrane filtration assays that have been developed
for testing for coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli and some of these may be useful in testing foods such as
milk and beverages, but they are used mostly for water, environmental waters, and shellfish harvest waters
analysis (5, 7, 20, 22, 23, 31).

References

1. American Public Health Association. 1970. Recommended Procedures for the Examination of
Seawater and Shellfish, 4th ed. APHA, Washington, DC.
2. American Public Health Association. 1992. In: Marshall, R.T. (ed). Standard Methods for the
Examination of Dairy Products, 16th ed. APHA. Washington, DC.
3. American Public Health Association. 1998. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater, 20th ed. APHA, Washington, DC.
4. American Public Health Association. 1992. Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological
Examination of Foods, 3rd ed. APHA, Washington, DC.
5. Brenner, K. P., C. C. Rankin, M. Sivaganesan, and P.V. Scarpino. 1996. Comparison of the recoveries
of Escherichia coli and total coliforms from drinking water by the MI agar method and the U.S.
Environmental protection agency­approved membrane filter method. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:203­
208.
6. Caplenas, N.R. and M.S. Kanarek. 1984. Thermotolerant non­fecal source Klebsiella pneumoniae:
validity of the fecal coliform test in recreational waters. Am. J. Public Health. 74:1273­1275
7. Ciebin, B.W., M.H. Brodsky, R. Eddington, G. Horsnell, A. Choney, G. Palmateer, A. Ley, R. Joshi,
and G. Shears. 1995. Comparative evaluation of modified m­FC and m­TEC media for membrane
filter enumeration of Escherichia coli in water. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:3940­3942.
8. Chang, G.W., J. Brill, and R. Lum. 1989. Proportion of beta­glucuronidase­negative Escherichia coli in
human fecal samples. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 55:335­339.
9. Conway, P.L. 1995. Microbial ecology of the human large intestine. In: G.R. Gibson and G.T.
Macfarlane, eds. p.1­24. Human colonic bacteria: role in nutrition, physiology, and pathology. CRC
Press, Boca Raton, FL.

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6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

10. Dege, N.J. 1998. Categories of bottled water. Chapter 3, In: D.A.G. Senior and P. R. Ashurst (ed).
Technology of Bottled Water. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
11. Doyle, M.P. and J.L. Schoeni. 1987. Isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from retail meats and
poultry. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 53:2394­2396.
12. Eijkman, C. 1904. Die garungsprobe bei 46° als hilfsmittel bei der trinkwasseruntersuchung. Zentr.
Bakteriol. Parasitenk. Abt. I. Orig. 37:742.
13. Entis, P. 1989. Hydrophobic grid membrane filter/MUG method for total coliform and Escherichia coli
enumeration in foods: collaborative study. J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 72:936­950.
14. Escherich, T. 1885. Die darmbakterien des neugeborenen und sauglings. Fortshr. Med. 3:5­15­522,
547­554.
15. Ewing, W.H. 1986. Edwards and Ewing's Identification of Enterobacteriaceae, 4th ed. Elsevier, New
York.
16. Feldsine, P.T., M.T. Falbo­Nelson, and D.L. Hustead. 1994. ColiComplete Substrate­supporting disc
method for confirmed detection of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in all foods: comparative study. J.
Assoc. Off. Anal.Chem.77:58­63.
17. Feng, P. 1995. Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7: Novel vehicles of infection and emergence
phenotypic variants. Emerging Infectious Dis. 1:16­21.
18. Feng, P.C.S. and P.A. Hartman. 1982. Fluorogenic assays for immediate confirmation of Escherichia
coli. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 43:1320­1329.
19. Feng, P., R. Lum, and G. Chang. 1991. Identification of uidA gene sequences in beta­D­glucuronidase
(­) Escherichia coli. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 57:320­323.
20. FDA. 1998. Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards and Control Guide. 2nd ed. Office of Seafood,
CFSAN, U.S. FDA, Public Health Service, Dept. Health and Human Services, Washington DC.
21. Frampton, E.W. and L. Restaino. 1993. Methods for E. coli identification in food, water and clinical
samples based on beta­glucuronidase detection. J. Appl. Bacteriol. 74:223­233.
22. Geissler, K., M. Manafi, I. Amoros, and J.L. Alonso. 2000. Quantitative determination of total coliforms
and Escherichia coli in marine waters with chromogenic and fluorogenic media. J. Appl. Microbiol.
88:280­285.
23. Grant, M.A. 1997. A new membrane filtration medium for simultaneous detection and enumeration of
Escherichia coli and total coliforms. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63:3526­4530.
24. Gunzer, F., H. Bohm, H. Russmann, M. Bitzan, S. Aleksic, and H. Karch. 1992. Molecular detection of
sorbitol fermenting Escherichia coli O157 in patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome. J. Clin.
Microbiol. 30:1807­10.
25. Hartman, P.A. 1989. The MUG (glucuronidase) test for Escherichia coli in food and water, pp. 290­
308. In: Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology and Immunology. A. Balows, R.C. Tilton, and
A. Turano (eds). Brixia Academic Press, Brescia, Italy.
26. Hayes, P.S., K. Blom, P. Feng, J. Lewis, N.A. Strockbine, and B. Swaminathan. 1995. Isolation and
characterization of a β­D­glucuronidase­producing strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the United
States. J. Clin. Microbiol. 33:3347­3348.
27. Manafi, M. 1996. Fluorogenic and chromogenic enzyme substrates in culture media and identification
tests. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 31:45­58.
28. Moberg, L.J., M.K. Wagner, and L.A. Kellen. 1988. Fluorogenic assay for rapid detection of
Escherichia coli in chilled and frozen foods: collaborative study. J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 71:589­

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6/10/2016 Laboratory Methods > BAM: Enumeration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and the Coliform Bacteria

602.
29. Neill, M. A., P. I. Tarr, D. N. Taylor, and A. F. Trofa. 1994. Escherichia coli. In Foodborne Disease
Handbook, Y. H. Hui, J. R. Gorham, K. D. Murell, and D. O. Cliver, eds. Marcel Decker, Inc. New
York. pp. 169­213.
30. Neufeld, N. 1984. Procedures for the bacteriological examination of seawater and shellfish. In:
Greenberg, A.E. and D.A. Hunt (eds). 1984. Laboratory Procedures for the Examination of Seawater
and Shellfish, 5th ed. American Public Health Association. Washington, DC.
31. Rippey, S.R., W.N. Adams, and W.D. Watkins. 1987. Enumeration of fecal coliforms and E. coli in
marine andestuarine waters: an alternative to the APHA­MPN approach. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed.
59:795­798.
32. Rippey, S.R., L.A. Chandler, and W.D. Watkins. 1987. Fluorometric method for enumeration of
Escherichia coli in molluscan shellfish. J. Food Prot. 50:685­690, 710.
33. Warburton, D.W. 2000. Methodology for screening bottled water for the presence of indicator and
pathogenic bacteria. Food Microbiol. 17:3­12.
34. Weagant, S.D. and P. Feng. 2001. Comparative evaluation of a rapid method for detecting
Escherichia coli in artificially contaminated orange juice. FDA Laboratory Information Bulletin #4239,
17:1­6.
35. Weagant, S.D. and P. Feng. 2002. Comparative Analysis of a Modified Rapid Presence­Absence Test
and the standard MPN Method for Detecting Escherichia coli in Orange Juice. Food Microbiol. 19:111­
115.

Hypertext Source: Bacteriological Analytical Manual, 8th Edition, Revision A, 1998. Chapter 4.

BAM Resources

BAM: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm070080.htm)

Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006949.htm)

Resources for You

Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006949.htm)

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(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/default.htm)

CFSAN Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual

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Microbiological Methods & Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm114664.htm)

Drug & Chemical Residues Methods (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006950.htm)

Elemental Analysis Manual (EAM) for Food and Related Products

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006954.htm)

Macroanalytical Procedures Manual (MPM)

(/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006953.htm)

Pesticide Analytical Manual (PAM) (/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006955.htm)

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