False-negative β-d-glucuronidase reactions in membrane lactose glucuronide agar medium used for the simultaneous detection of coliforms and<i>Escherichia coli</i>from water

Abstract

The detection of E. coli in drinking water is the primary test used to establish faecal contamination. The poor sensitivity of MLGA in detecting beta-D-glucuronidase activity suggests that this medium and others containing high concentrations of fermentable carbohydrate should not be used for the detection of E. coli.