Many studies have provided improved knowledge on PEF-induced damage on microorganisms.The conventional plate count method is usually applied to evaluate the bactericidal effect of PEF,but this method can only differentiate between culturable and not culturable cells.The occurrence of sublethally injured microbial cells under stress of PEF was demonstrated by classical selective-medium plating technique.However,other methods and techniques are necessary to be applied for real time and quantitative monitor of sublethally injured microbial cells under PEF.