Fecal coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal coliform (pronounced: fee-kal koh-luh-form) is a type of bacteria that is associated with human or animal waste. It is often used as an indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water.
Etymology
The term "fecal coliform" is derived from the Latin words "faecalis" meaning "of the dregs" and "coliform" meaning "in the shape of a colon". The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe bacteria that are found in the intestines and feces of warm-blooded animals.
Definition
Fecal coliforms are a group of bacteria, which are usually harmless. They are found in great quantities in the intestines and feces of people and animals. The presence of fecal coliforms in water or food is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination.
Related Terms
- E. coli: A type of fecal coliform that is often associated with foodborne illnesses.
- Enterobacteriaceae: A large family of bacteria that includes many of the organisms that produce fecal coliforms.
- Waterborne diseases: Diseases that are spread through contaminated water, often due to the presence of fecal coliforms.
- Water quality: The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water, often measured by the presence of fecal coliforms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fecal coliform
- Wikipedia's article - Fecal coliform
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