Know The Symptoms Related To Coliform Bacteria In Water

By Marguerite Stanton


If you are not already aware, coliform bacteria in water is a group of pathogens that usually cause gastrointestinal disturbances in the body. As a member of the enterobacteria family, the bacteria is usually associated with several strains of E. Coli, shigella and salmonella. All are capable of causing diarrhea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections.

A most common disturbance that one can expect to have if infected is diarrhea. In severe cases, people will often notice blood leave the body with their stools. This is usually considered to be a case of dysentery. Other more troubling symptoms that justify the appearance of this condition include a high fever, abdominal pains, and a irreversible intolerance to lactose. If not treated immediately, a person will begin to vomit blood, become incoherent and/or delusional.

If diarrhea is a symptom that occurs without bleeding, then a person is possibly dealing with an E. Coli infection. This infection clears on its own in a few days. If the symptoms become worse after three days then it is possible that an individual has a more lethal form of E. Coli in their body. The more dangerous strains can usually cause hemolytic uremic syndrome.

When a bacterial infection results in flu-like symptoms, it is possible that the infected person has typhoid fever. Symptoms that will justify the presence of the fever include an actual fever, recurring headaches, loss of appetite and stomach tenderness. In all previous cases of a typhoid fever, a red path that appears to be a rash develops on or near the chest area of the infected individual. This disease is fatal if not treated immediately.

Urinary tract infections that are related to coliform affect mostly women, especially women that are pregnant or have very low immunity. Direct contact of the bacterial agent is more likely to cause the infection rather than drinking or consuming contaminated products. The infection can be treated but if possible antibiotics should be avoid since most strains of E. Coli are resistant to them.

An infection that occurs in the blood but begins as a gastrointestinal disturbance is usually called yersinia. Being the most dangerous, yersinia is resistance most types of antibiotics and it is not affected by very cold temperatures. This is the only form of Coliform that is capable of affect other organs than the intestines because of its ability to pass through the blood stream.

Coliform is usually known to be contained in animal products and bi-products. As of recently, the outbreaks have been centered around fresh produce. The last outbreaks, as you may know were centered around lettuce and spinach. This goes to show that bacterial contamination does not only exist in undercooked animal meat.

To protect yourself and your family members, always wash your foods, both produce and animal products if possible. You may even want to go a little beyond that by cleansing your foods in very diluted chlorinated water to stay clear of coliform bacteria in water that your foods may carry. Also as an important note, always wash your hands before dealing with any type of food.




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