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Coliform bacteria originate as organisms in soil or vegetation and in the intestinal tract
of warm-blooded animals (fecal coli). This group of bacteria has long been an indicator of
water contamination and possible presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. Coliform
bacteria are relatively simple to identify, are present in much larger numbers than more
dangerous pathogens, and react to the natural environment and treatment processes similarly
to pathogens. By observing coliform bacteria, the increase or decrease of many pathogenic
bacteria can be estimated. (Treyens C. ,2009)
Escherichia coli (E. coli), a member of the coliform group, can be distinguished from
most other coliforms by its ability to ferment lactose at 44°C , and by its growth and colour
reaction on certain types of culture media. Unlike the general coliform group, E. coli are
almost exclusively of fecal origin and their presence is thus an effective confirmation of fecal
confirmation of fecal contamination. Typically, E. coli are about 10% of the coliforms in
human feces.
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