What is the Difference Between Coliform and Fecal Coliform?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between coliform and fecal coliform bacteria lies in their origin and specificity as indicators of fecal contamination.
Coliform bacteria are a large group of bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans, and are found in their wastes. They are also found in plant and soil material. Total coliform bacteria include bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste. They are generally harmless and can be found in the environment, such as soil or vegetation.
Fecal coliform bacteria are a sub-group of total coliform bacteria. They appear in great quantities in the intestines and feces of people and animals. Fecal coliforms are considered a more accurate indication of animal or human waste than the total coliforms. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the major species in the fecal coliform group and is considered the best indicator of fecal contamination. Fecal coliforms have the ability to cause many lethal disease conditions, whereas total coliforms are harmless.
In summary:
- Coliform bacteria are a larger group of bacteria found in the environment and digestive tracts of animals and humans.
- Fecal coliform bacteria are a subset of total coliform bacteria, specifically found in feces and considered a more accurate indicator of fecal contamination.
- E. coli is the major species in the fecal coliform group and is considered the best indicator of fecal contamination.
Comparative Table: Coliform vs Fecal Coliform
Here is a table comparing the differences between coliform and fecal coliform:
| Feature | Coliform | Fecal Coliform |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Indicator bacteria used to assess water contamination | Subcategory of total coliform, mostly exists in feces |
| Pathogenicity | Harmless | Can cause lethal disease conditions, e.g., Escherichia coli O157:H7 |
| Lactose Fermentation | Ferments lactose in a temperature range of 35-37°C | Ferments lactose within 48 hours at 44 ± 0.5°C |
| Habitat | Commonly found in the environment (e.g., soil, vegetation) | Found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals |
| Testing | Testing for coliform bacteria is relatively easy and inexpensive | Testing for fecal coliform or E. coli is performed if total coliform is present |
Both coliform and fecal coliform are gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria with a typical rod shape. They are used as indicators of water contamination and are present in aquatic habitats, soil, and vegetation. However, fecal coliforms, such as E. coli, are considered more specific indicators of fecal contamination and are more likely to be pathogenic.
- Coliforms vs Enterobacteriaceae
- Bacterial vs Fungal Colonies
- E. histolytica vs E. coli
- E Coli vs Salmonella
- Escherichia coli vs Entamoeba coli
- E. Coli vs Klebsiella
- E. Coli vs Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
- Lactose Fermenting vs Non-lactose Fermenting Bacteria
- Salmonella vs Shigella
- Homofermentative vs Heterofermentative Bacteria
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa vs Alcaligenes Fecalis
- Bacteria vs Fungi
- ETEC vs EHEC
- Lactoferrin vs Colostrum
- Enterococcus faecalis vs Enterococcus faecium
- E Coli vs Serratia Marcescens
- Colitis vs Ulcerative Colitis
- Diarrhea vs Dysentery
- Cryptosporidium vs Cyclospora