For enumeration of biofilm cells, the conventional method involves
removal and culturing of attached bacteria which is time-consuming
and labour-intensive (Lindsay & Von Holy, 1997). An enumeration
method based on impedance microbiology could well overcome the
above drawbacks as no detachment and plate counting is needed. This
will be a useful tool to study factors involved in the biofilm growth
and control of Y. enterocolitica. Although impedance microbiology
has been applied to the enumeration of many foodborne pathogens
(Baumgart, Sieker, & Vogelsang, 1994; Yang, Ruan, & Li, 2003), there
are no reports on its application to Y. enterocolitica. In this study, we
establish a rapid enumeration method for Y. enterocolitica based on
impedance method which has also shown to enumerate the biofilm
cells on stainless steel coupons.