Coli‐aerogenes Bacteria on Plants

Abstract

S ummary . Specimens of plant foliage and flowers collected in the region of Attica from various situations and geographical regions were examined over a period of 13 months for the presence of coli‐aerogenes bacteria able to grow at 37°. Twenty‐five (12.2%) of 204 specimens carried coli‐aerogenes bacteria of which Escherichia coli type I was isolated from 12 (5.8%). Coli‐aerogenes bacteria were seldom isolated from plants grown in uninhabited areas, and they occured more frequently during summer and autumn. Vegetables and fruits sold in the central market of Athens are frequently contaminated with coli‐aerogenes bacteria. Of 76 specimens of vegetables examined 66 (86.8%) were positive for coli‐aerogenes bacteria, and 17 (22.3%) for E. coli type I. The figures from 41 specimens of fruits were 26 (65.8%) and 4 (9.7%), respectively.