Estimating microbial population counts by 'most probable number' using Microsoft Excel.

A M Briones; W Reichardt

doi:10.1016/s0167-7012(98)00111-0

Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 10192048

Estimating microbial population counts by 'most probable number' using Microsoft Excel.

A M Briones·W Reichardt

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

A computer-assisted method for determining population counts using the 'most probable number' (MPN) was developed. The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and its Solver tool were used to generate MPNs, error estimates and confidence limits. Our method was flexible, allowing the use of unbalanced replication schemes and varying replication numbers and inoculation volumes. Furthermore, it required no programming skills and generated fast results, which were comparable to those of standard MPN tables and MPN software.

Explore related subjects

Colony Count, Microbial Software Journal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

A M Briones, W Reichardt. 1999. Estimating microbial population counts by 'most probable number' using Microsoft Excel.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-7012(98)00111-0

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2001

[Guidelines for diagnosing urinary tract infections: advantages and disadvantages of various methods].

The revised guidelines on urinary tract infections from the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (CBO) and those from the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG), both published in 1999, differ concerning how these infections can best be diagnosed. In the case of a negative nitrite test result, the Institute advises to count the number of leucocytes or bacteria using a microscope, whilst the College advocates just counting the number of bacteria using a microscope or assessing bacterial growth by using a dip-slide. The difference may be explained by the diagnostic criterion for the numbers of colony forming units per millilitre of cultured urine. Leucocyturia with a typical history of acute dysuria and frequent voiding might indeed be sufficient as a diagnostic tool. However, it is questionable whether this is true in daily practice, where many patients with less typical complaints are encountered.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

PubMed2001

Selection and characterization of mixed starter cultures for lactic acid fermentation of carrot, cabbage, beet and onion vegetable mixtures.

An evaluation of various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the fermentation of cabbage, carrot and beet-based vegetable products was carried out. As part of a screening process, the growth of 15 cultures in a vegetable juice medium (VJM) was characterized by automated spectrophotometry. Acidification patterns as well as viability during storage of the LAB were also established. There were greater differences between the pure cultures than the mixed ones with respect to growth in VJM and viability during storage. Reductions in viable cell counts during storage of the fermented VJM occurred more rapidly with a Leuconostoc strain than for pediococci or lactobacilli. Inoculation of vegetables was carried out with cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum NK-312, Pediococcus acidilactici AFERM 772 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides BLAC which were rehydrated in a brine. This rehydration procedure was not detrimental to viability. During fermentation of a carrot/cabbage vegetable mix, sugar metabolism was characterized by the assimilation of both glucose and fructose, but sugars remained in the fermented vegetables when acidification stopped. The pH in the LAB-inoculated vegetables after 72 h at 20 degrees C was significantly lower (by 0.2 units) than the uninoculated control. Inoculation with LAB designed for silage fermentation resulted in the inhibition of acetic acid production, and reduced the production of ethanol during fermentation. The selection process on VJM enabled the preparation of a mixed culture that was more rapid than the silage inoculants in acidifying the medium and was more effective in reducing the production of gas during the fermentation and storage of the fermented vegetables.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

PubMed2001

Effect of sodium chloride concentration on the heat resistance and recovery of Salmonella typhimurium.

The survival of Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311) heated and recovered in media with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5% (w/w) added sodium chloride was investigated. A protective effect in the heating medium and an inhibitory effect in the recovery medium were observed. The results showed an interaction between the effect on, D(58 degrees C) values, of sodium chloride concentration in both media. Lower concentration in the heating media led to a greater effect of the sodium chloride concentration in the recovery media. When the sodium chloride concentration was the same in both media, the protective effect exerted in the heating media dominated over its inhibitory effect in the recovery media.

Colony Count, Microbial↗