Coliform bacteria
Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria (/koʊˈlɪfɔːrm/; from the Greek kolon meaning "colon") are a broad class of bacteria found in our environment, including the feces of man and other warm-blooded animals. The coliform group itself is an assortment of different kinds of bacteria that share common traits, such as the shape and the ability to grow at 37 degrees Celsius.
Etymology
The term "coliform" is derived from the Greek word kolon which means "colon". This is because these bacteria are most commonly found in the colon or large intestine of warm-blooded animals.
Types of Coliform Bacteria
There are three groups of coliform bacteria; each has a different level of risk. These include:
- Total Coliforms: This group includes bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste.
- Fecal Coliforms: These bacteria exist in the feces of warm-blooded animals. The presence of fecal coliforms in drinking water may indicate a recent contamination of the water supply with fecal material.
- Escherichia Coli (E. Coli): This is a type of fecal coliform that is specific to fecal material from humans and other warm-blooded animals. Some strains of E. Coli can cause illness.
Health Risks
Coliform bacteria do not typically cause serious illness but their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be contaminating the water system. Most pathogens that can contaminate water supplies come from the feces of humans or animals.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing coliform bacteria from contaminating water supplies involves protecting water sources from fecal material and effectively treating water before it is used for drinking. This can be achieved through various methods such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and boiling water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coliform bacteria
- Wikipedia's article - Coliform bacteria
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