BETA-D-GALACTOSIDASE ACTIVITY OF VIABLE, NON-CULTURABLE COLIFORM BACTERIA IN MARINE WATERS

The beta-D-galactosidase activity of viable but non-culturable (vnc) E scherichia coli cells in seawater was investigated using a rapid fluor imetric enzyme assay. Results from microcosm studies showed that loss of culturability did not necessarily result in loss of the ability to produce the galactosidase enzyme. Even when no culturable cells were d etected, a positive enzyme assay response was observed and the activit y of the inducible enzyme over time more closely reflected the number of vnc cells present.