Characteristics of coliform bacteria

The coliforms are facultative anaerobic (not requiring oxygen), nonsporulating, rod-shaped bacteria that produce acid and gas from the fermentation of lactose sugar: e.g., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Chapter XVII – Coliform Bacteria

A common characteristic of the coliform bacteria is the growth of Gram-negative rods on simple media. Motility is variable. They are biochemically fairly active. They metabolize a variety of carbohydrates.

Health Effects of Coliform Bacteria

Most of these bacteria are harmless to humans. If disease-causing bacteria are present, the most common symptoms are gastrointestinal upset and general flu-like symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms are most likely in children or elderly household members.

Coliform bacteria are organisms that are present in the environment and in the feces of all warm-blooded animals and humans. Coliform bacteria will not likely cause illness. However, their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system.

Most coliform bacteria do not cause disease. However, some rare strains of E. coli, particularly the strain 0157:H7, can cause serious illness.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT APPROACHES

Oral antibiotics effective against gram-negative aerobic coliform bacteria, particularly E. coli, is the principal treatment in patients with UTI. A 3-day course is typical in patients with an uncomplicated lower UTI or simple cystitis with symptoms for less than 48 hours.