IMPROVED M-ENTEROCOCCUS AGAR FOR COUNTING FECAL STREPTOCOCCI IN SEA-WATER

An improved medium for counting faecal streptococci in sea water is de scribed. The medium was based on m-Enterococcus agar with the addition of 20 mg/l colistin sulphate and 10 mg/l oxolinic acid, There was no inhibition of faecal streptococci counts from sea water by the additio n of these antibiotics. No significant differences were observed betwe en the mean colony counts on media before and after identification of the colonies. The qualities of this improved medium make it the logica l choice for counting faecal streptococci in sea water.