Gastrointestinal bacteria of certain Antarctic birds and mammals

Appl Microbiol. 1970 Oct;20(4):561-6. doi: 10.1128/am.20.4.561-566.1970.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Alcaligenes / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Antarctic Regions
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Birds*
  • Culture Media

Substances

  • Culture Media