AEROMONADS IN DRINKING-WATER SUPPLIES - THEIR OCCURRENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE

Traditionally, bacteriological monitoring of drinking-water supplies has focused on the detection of Escherichia coli and related coliform bacteria. However, attention has recently been given to the occurrence of biofilms and associated organisms which occur in distribution systems. One group of bacteria which have been isolated from water supply systems are the Aeromonads. This group is gaining increased recognition as they have been implicated as causal agents of gastro-enteritis in humans and are indicators of regrowth potential. In order to obtain a better insight into these organisms and their relationship with other parameters, a number of laboratory and field-based studies were undertaken. These included (a) comparison of isolation media, (b) examination of biofilms, (c) temperature growth studies, (d) toxicity testing, and (e) sampling and analysis at treatment works and in distribution systems.