Interactions between heterotrophic plate count bacteria and coliform organisms.

Studies were initiated to investigate the interactions between heterotrophic plate count bacteria and coliform organisms. We used spiked samples to show that heterotrophic plate count bacteria could reduce coliform densities by more than 3 logs within 8 days. Some heterotrophic plate count bacteria were able to cause injury to the coliform population. A significant correlation (r = 0.66; P less than 0.05) was observed between the initial level of heterotrophic plate count bacteria and the rate of coliform decline. Competition for limiting organic carbon was hypothesized to be responsible for the observed effects.