Coliform are a group of bacteria found in the environment and in the digestive tract of humans and animals They are also known as fecal coliform and/or total coliform. Coliform bacteria are gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that are generally harmless when present in small numbers. When present in large numbers, coliform bacteria can indicate that there may be contamination of water or food with toxins, bacteria, or viruses that can make people and animals sick.
Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator of water quality since they are a naturally occurring species, so when they are present in large numbers, it is an indication that there may be other sources of contamination present. Coliform bacteria can also be used to detect the presence of other harmful bacteria and can help prevent the spread of disease.
The five best examples of coliform include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhi, and Enterococcus faecalis.
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is an important part of the human digestive tract and is also found in soil, water, and food. While only certain strains of E. coli are harmful to humans, it is an important indicator of water quality because of its ubiquity.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a coliform bacteria found in soil, water, and food as well as in the digestive tract of animals. Like E. coli it is an important indicator of water quality, however, it has been linked to more serious infections in humans than E. coli.
Enterobacter aerogenes is a coliform bacteria found in soil, water, and food as well as in the digestive tract of animals. It is an important indicator of water quality and can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria.
Salmonella typhi is a coliform bacteria found in food and water. It is an important indicator of water quality and can lead to food poisoning in humans when present in large numbers.
Enterococcus faecalis is a coliform bacteria found in soil, water, and food as well as in the digestive tract of animals. It is an important indicator of water quality and can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria.
In conclusion, coliform are a group of naturally occurring bacteria found in the environment and the digestive tract of humans and animals. They are used as indicators of water quality and can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria. The five best examples of coliform bacteria include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhi, and Enterococcus faecalis.