Comparison of a Rapid Plate Count and MPN Methods for Enumeration of Fecal Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Soft-Shell Clams.

A direct elevated temperature plate count method utilizing modified fecal coliform agar with rosolic acid (ETPC/mFC) was compared to 5-tube and 3-tube most probable number (MPN) procedures for its accuracy in enumerating fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli in naturally and artificially contaminated soft-shell clams ( Mya arenaria ). The results indicated that the extent of overall recovery of fecal coliforms was similar in the two methods tested. Therefore, the ETPC/mFC method may be considered as a rapid procedure for fecal coliform screening during depuration of soft-shell clams.