False-positive fluorescence by pink salmon tissue and staphylococci in a rapid test for Escherichia coli.

Fluorescence from 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide (MUG) hydrolysis is a common, rapid method for determining Escherichia coli in water and food. False-positive fluorescence occurred when either pink salmon fillets were tested or beta-glucuronidase-positive Staphylococcus species were present in other fish products. Salmon fillet, E. coli, S. xylosus, and S. warneri produced 2, 17, 39, and 43 nmol of 4-methylumbelliferone per ml, respectively, in a one-step detection broth (lauryl salts tryptose broth with MUG) for E. coli after 48 h at 35 degrees C. These false-positive reactions need to be considered when testing fish products, especially those contaminated through human handling.