colony-forming units
Colony-forming units (CFUs) are a measure used in microbiology to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample. Each CFU represents a single cell or a group of cells that can grow into a visible colony on a solid growth medium, such as agar. This method helps researchers determine the concentration of microorganisms in various samples, including food, water, and clinical specimens.
CFUs are important for assessing microbial contamination and understanding the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments. By counting the number of CFUs, scientists can evaluate the health of ecosystems, monitor food safety, and conduct research on diseases caused by pathogens like Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus.