Definition, Types, Characteristics, Importance And Application Of Coliform Bacteria

Food microbiology Coliform bacteria292417518795900-24765016890900 1-Definition 2-Types3-Characteristics 4-Importance 5-Practical application and use6- ReferencesWhat are Coliform Bacteria?Also commonly known as "indicator organisms", coliform refers to a wide variety of bacteria that can be found throughout the environment. This means that these organisms can be found in soil, water surfaces, vegetations as well as on the skin or intestinal tract of warm-blooded organisms such as humans. Although some are pathogenic (capable of causing diseases - mild to life threatening diseases) most of them are harmless. They are easy to culture and their presence is used to indicate that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present. Such pathogens include disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or protozoa and many multicellular parasites.Types of Coliform Bacteria:Divided into three main groups which include:Total coliform bacteriaFecal coliform bacteriaE. coliTotal Coliform Bacteria (TC):This group is largely composed of harmless, closely related bacteria. Apart from human and animal waste, total coliform bacteria can be found in such environments as water, vegetation and soil where they live freely.While they are generally harmless, the presence or detection of this group of bacteria in drinking water or