Answer to Question #107122 in Microbiology for Ripon Sarkar

Question

3.Predict how the presence of viable but nonculturable cells in food or water systems might impact public health.

Answer 1

The viable but nonculturable cells cannot be cultured on routine agar media but they are alive and capable of metabolic activity. It is known that a number of diseases can be caused by viable but nonculturable bacteria. This group of microorganisms contains many human pathogens. Microbiological tests of food or water are based on conventional plate methods and can give false-negative results. The usage of molecular methods for bacteria identification in food or water systems can decrease risks associated with public health.