Discuss some disadvantages of viable counts of microorganisms. Solution Disadvantages of viable counts of microorganisms:- 1. The assumption that each colony is arsing from single cell- Staphylococcus is an example in this regard, which form clumps of microorganisms where each clump is counted as one colony. 2. Variation in the rate at which bacteria give rise to an observable colony- In case of a short incubation period, some colonies may be skipped and hence, the optomization of temperature and medium condition is required. 3. Difficult in distinguishing living and non living cells- In case of a direct microscopic count, this becomes an issue. 4. High sensitivity- Sensitivity in case of a viable count is a disadvantage if plating conditions are optimal..