1 AS/NZS 4276.

15:1999

TM
Australian/New Zealand Standard

Water microbiology
Method 15: Examination for Vibrio cholerae

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee FT/20, Water Microbiology, as part of a series of methods for the
microbiological examination of waters for domestic and industrial use.
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This method is designed to detect Vibrio cholerae in water using conventional culture based
techniques. The enumeration of this microorganism is not normally carried out because its
presence, irrespective of numbers, is significant from a public health point of view.
The Vibrio cholerae species is composed of numerous O-serotypes. Toxin producing strains
of the O1 serotype are responsible for epidemic cholera. However, another serotype, O139,
has recently been identified as an epidemic producing strain. Other strains belonging to
different serotypes may cause sporadic cases of diarrhoeal illness. This method will detect
all strains of Vibrio cholerae and allow identification of the cholera epidemic producing O1
and O139 serotypes. It should be emphasised that the finding of Vibrio cholerae O1 or
O139 in a water sample would necessitate the prompt notification of the relevant health
authority.
The development and availability of PCR systems for the detection and identification of
vibrio may lead to the use of a standardized PCR technique as an adjunct to this method.
These tests would not be within the capability of an otherwise well-equipped
microbiological laboratory and are not included in this Standard. Laboratories that cannot
perform these specialized tests should consult a laboratory with the necessary facilities if
further testing, beyond the scope of this Standard, is required to establish the identity of an
organism isolated by this method.
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.

METHOD
1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out a method for detecting Vibrio cholerae in water using culture in
enrichment broth and on selective agar media.
NOTES:
1 A flow diagram of the procedure is shown in Appendix A.
2 This method is suitable for the isolation of other Vibrio species besides V. cholerae.
However, the NaCl concentration in the enrichment broth should be increased to 1%.

COPYRIGHT
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AS/NZS 4276.15:1999, Water microbiology

Examination for Vibrio cholerae
This is a free 1 page sample. Access the full version at http://infostore.saiglobal.com.

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