Publication:

A proportional study on the existence of coliform and fecal coliform in the post-treatment (filtered and boiled) water samples

Background The elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from drinking water is the first and foremost requirement in terms of maintaining the quality of water as well as reducing the water- borne diseases. The presence of coliform in water acts as an indicator of the presence of others pathogens.

Methods Present study attempted to focus on the existence of coliform and fecal coliform in drinking water along with their drug resistant pattern through conventional culture methods and Kirby-Bauer method (disk diffusion).

Results A total of 30 samples (15 were boiled and 15 were filter) were collected and processed for microbiological action. Significant numbers of samples (both filter and boiled water) were found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria especially E. coli and Klebsiella spp. within the range of 102 to 104 cfu/ml. In addition, few samples exhibited fecal contamination. A total of 15 available drugs were used against the identified E. coli and Klebsiella spp.  Most of the identified bacteria were found to be sensitive against commonly used antibiotics. Very few strains of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. in both filter and boiled water were found to be resistant to more than one antibiotic. Only Klebsiella spp. from boiled water showed 100% sensitivity against all the drugs.

Conclusions The presence of drug resistant coliform and fecal coliform in drinking water is a clear indication of poor water quality which might be a threat for consumer’s health, especially for the children.