Membrane filter-fluorescent-antibody method for detection and enumeration of bacteria in water.

A technique which employs nonfluorescing membrane filters and specific fluoresceinisothiocynate-labeled antiserum has been successfully used in the identification and enumeration of known species of Escherichia coli which have been added to natural populations of bacteria found in water. The quantitative results compared favorably with those of standard tests. The use of a dissecting microscope with an external lighting arrangement provided a simple requirement for equipment. This method may be useful in monitoring specific bacterial types from waters which were being monitored for specific pollution.