Phenotypic and genotypic comparison of Escherichia coli from pristine tropical waters.

摘要: Nine fecal-coliform-positive strains were isolated from pristine sites in a tropical rain forest. These included nonpolluted rivers and water bromeliads (epiphytes) which 30 ft (ca. 910 cm) above the ground. Phenotypically, all of these isolates identified as Escherichia coli. Their DNA was purified, base composition (G + C content) determined compared with that E. coli B (ATCC 11303). The environmental also hybridized to radiolabeled B. Eight had similar gave more than 75% homology One strain different relatively low percentage reference strain. finding waters suggests this bacterium could be natural inhabitant environments is not reliable indicator recent human fecal contamination waters. indicators are currently used tropics test biological quality should reevaluated.