Fecal coliform bacteria are a type of coliform bacteria that are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans.

 Fecal coliform bacteria are a type of coliform bacteria that are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans.

They are used as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, food, and other products. 

What are fecal coliforms?

Fecal coliforms are rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that are unable to form spores 

They are capable of growing in the presence of bile salts 

They produce acid and gas from lactose within 48 hours at 44.5°C 

They are a subset of total coliform bacteria 

Why are fecal coliforms important?

Their presence in water, food, or other products indicates a potential for fecal contamination 

Fecal contamination can lead to water pollution and the spread of disease 

How are fecal coliforms detected? 

Fecal coliform assays are used to test for the presence of fecal coliforms in water, food, and other products

The assays involve growing the bacteria on a nutrient-rich agar and counting the resulting colonies

What are some sources of fecal coliforms? 

Animal feces, especially from dogs and other pets

Bird feces, especially from waterfowl like geese and swans

Runoff from roads, parking lots, and yards