Gastrointestinal bacteria of certain Antarctic birds and mammals.

An investigation was carried out of the aerobic gram-negative intestinal flora of 158 penguins, 30 skuas, and 66 seals from the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic zones and Phillip Island. Among penguins and seals, 17% and 11%, respectively, were devoid of aerobic enteric organisms, but microscopic examination showed the presence of other bacteria. The coliforms outnumbered the paracolons and nonlactosefermenting bacteria; irregular coliform types and Escherichia coli were predominant. The present study indicated the effect of diet on the composition of the intestinal flora of the birds and mammals examined.