E. coli & coliforms, semiquantitative [ECOLI-S]
Published: July 8th, 2009
Revised: March 21st, 2023
Coliform bacteria are common environmental bacteria, typically associated with the mammalian digestive tract. Although not generally pathogenic themselves, coliforms are a well-known marker of fecal contamination, and their presence is interpreted to suggest that potentially pathogenic bacteria may be present.
This test detects both E. coli and coliform bacteria and is adapted from the Health Canada method used to test recreational water quality. Testing for E. coli and coliform bacteria together increases the analytical specificity of the test, and reduces the potential for false positive results.
This test uses a special growth medium for coliform bacteria that is incubated for a minimum of 48 hr prior to analysis, and enumerates total coliforms, parting out E. coli specifically. The number of colonies per plate or strip is enumerated, and the result is normally expressed semiquantitatively as 1+, 2+. 3+, etc., where the number preceding the “plus sign” indicates the order of magnitude of colonies observed. Please note, we are unable to perform this test for the purpose of assessing drinking water potability. This test is normally conducted using a swab or bulk sample.
Laboratory code: ECOLI-S
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Thermophilic actinomycetes [THERMO]
Published: July 8th, 2009
Revised: February 23rd, 2023
This test determines the presence of airborne culturable thermophilic actinomycetes and expresses the result in Colony Forming Units per Cubic Metre of air (CFU/m³).
Actinomycetes are a large and diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria that have growth habits similar to fungi in that they produce branching networks of filaments. Thermophilic actinomycetes occur in a wide range of habitats including common materials such as self-heating plant matter and manure composts. They are also known from highly specialized habitats such as birds’ nests, volcanic vents and hot springs. The term thermophilic refers to the fact that the actinomycetes in question grow optimally at temperatures above 40 °C. Other groups of actinomycetes are known to occur at moderate or extreme cold temperatures.
Actinomycetes are notable as prolific producers of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Indeed in this regard, they tend to be much more active than most fungi. Some of the mVOCs commonly produced by actinomycetes are responsible largely for the mouldy or musty odours associated with soils as well as damp basements. Actinomycetes are also extremely active producers of antimicrobial chemicals. Many of the naturally produced antimicrobial drugs in common use today are derived from actinomycetes (e.g. streptomycin, nystatin, and tetracycline). Inhalation exposure to cells and other materials colonized by actinomycetes has been associated with respiratory diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is particularly evident in agricultural settings where actinomycete exposures are known to play a role in the disease known as Farmer’s Lung.
Laboratory code: THERMO
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Psychrophilic actinomycetes [PSYCHRO]
Published: July 8th, 2009
Revised: February 23rd, 2023
This test determines the presence of airborne culturable psychrophilic actinomycetes and expresses the result in Colony Forming Units per Cubic Metre of air (CFU/m³).
Actinomycetes are a large and diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria that have growth habits similar to fungi in that they produce branching networks of filaments. Psychrophilic actinomycetes grow optimally at low temperatures, particularly below 15°C. They occur in a variety of habitats, particularly soils. They are also known from highly specialized habitats such as glaciers, antarctic rocks, and penguin rookeries. Other groups of actinomycetes are known to occur at moderate temperatures or in the presence of extreme heat.
Actinomycetes are notable as prolific producers of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Indeed in this regard, they tend to be much more active than most fungi. Some of the mVOCs commonly produced by actinomycetes are responsible largely for the mouldy or musty odours associated with soils as well as damp basements. Actinomycetes are also extremely active producers of antimicrobial chemicals. Many of the naturally produced antimicrobial drugs in common use today are derived from actinomycetes (e.g. streptomycin, nystatin, and tetracycline). Inhalation exposure to cells and other materials colonized by actinomycetes has been associated with respiratory diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is particularly evident in agricultural settings where actinomycete exposures are known to play a role in the disease known as Farmer’s Lung.
Laboratory code: PSYCHRO
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Mesophilic actinomycetes [MESO]
Published: July 8th, 2009
Revised: February 23rd, 2023
This test determines the presence of airborne culturable mesophilic actinomycetes and expresses the result in Colony Forming Units per Cubic Metre of air (CFU/m³).
Actinomycetes are a large and diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria that have growth habits similar to fungi in that they produce branching networks of filaments. Mesophilic actinomycetes occur in a wide range of habitats including common materials such as soil and plant matter, as well as highly specialized habitats like marine buoys, ant exoskeletons and paleolithic cave paintings. The term mesophilic refers to the fact that the actinomycetes in question grow optimally at temperatures between 15–40 °C. Other groups of actinomycetes are known to occur at extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Actinomycetes are notable as prolific producers of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Indeed in this regard, they tend to be much more active than most fungi. Some of the mVOCs commonly produced by actinomycetes are responsible largely for the mouldy or musty odours associated with soils as well as damp basements. Actinomycetes are also extremely active producers of antimicrobial chemicals. Many of the naturally produced antimicrobial drugs in common use today are derived from actinomycetes (e.g. streptomycin, nystatin, and tetracycline). Inhalation exposure to cells and other materials colonized by actinomycetes has been associated with respiratory diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is particularly evident in agricultural settings where actinomycete exposures are known to play a role in the disease known as Farmer’s Lung.
Laboratory code: MESO
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Gram stain & morphology [GSM]
Published: July 8th, 2009
Revised: March 24th, 2023
This is an add-on test that provides further characterization of cultured bacterial contaminants according to Gram stain reaction and cell morphology. This test may be indicated when heterotrophic plate count (HPC) tests yield positive results. In this event, the laboratory will contact you and determine if you would like to add this level of characterization.
Laboratory code: GSM
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