Indicator bacteria
Indicator bacteria
Indicator bacteria (/ɪnˈdɪk.eɪ.tər bækˈtɪər.i.ə/) are types of bacteria used to detect and estimate the level of contamination in a sample. They are not typically harmful themselves, but their presence is often correlated with the presence of other pathogens that could pose a health risk.
Etymology
The term "indicator bacteria" is derived from the word "indicator", which means a thing that indicates the state or level of something, and "bacteria", which is a type of microorganism. The term is used because these bacteria indicate the presence of potentially harmful pathogens in a sample.
Types of Indicator Bacteria
There are several types of indicator bacteria, including:
- Coliform bacteria: These are commonly used as bacterial indicators of water pollution. They are not typically harmful, but their presence can indicate that other pathogens may be present.
- Enterococci: These are a type of bacteria that are often found in the human gut. They are used as indicators of fecal contamination in water.
- Clostridium perfringens: This is a type of bacteria that produces spores and can survive in harsh conditions. It is used as an indicator of fecal contamination in soil and water.
Use in Public Health
Indicator bacteria are used in public health to monitor the safety of drinking water, recreational water, and food. They are also used in the testing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Indicator bacteria
- Wikipedia's article - Indicator bacteria
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