[Viable but nonculturable state of bacteria and its hygiene significance].

Viable but nonculturable state of bacteria means the state of bacteria cannot be cultured in routine media, but is alive and metabolic active. Many bacteria including some pathogens can enter this state and maintain virulence or pathogenicity. In this paper, the information including character, induction factors, resuscitation, detection and hygiene significance about bacteria's viable but nonculturable state was reviewed.