CORRELATION OF BACTERIAL INDICATOR ORGANISMS WITH SALMONELLA SPP., STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS AND CANDIDA-ALBICANS IN SEA-WATER

The value of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci in predicting the presence of Salmonella spp. and the numbers of Stap hylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in sewage polluted coastal wate r were assessed. All indicators had strong positive association with S almonella and moderate positive correlations with Staph. aureus and C. albicans. Total coliforms correlated better with salmonellas and Stap h. aureus than did the two faecal groups. Regression analysis revealed that total coliforms have a better value as predictors of the presenc e of Salmonella and Sta;nh. aureus, while faecal coliforms are better predictors of C. albicans, in moderately polluted areas. The conclusio n reached is that enumeration of total coliforms is sufficient to pred ict the presence of Salmonella spp. or Staph. aureus in sea water mode rately affected by sewage pollution, without the additional measuremen t of faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci.