Enterococcus Spp vs. Total Coliforms

Attribute	Enterococcus Spp	Total Coliforms
Gram Stain	Positive	Variable
Shape	Cocci	Rod
Pathogenicity	Opportunistic pathogens	Generally non-pathogenic
Indicator of	Fecal contamination	Fecal contamination
Commonly found in	Intestines of humans and animals	Soil, water, and vegetation

Introduction

Enterococcus spp and Total Coliforms are two types of bacteria that are commonly used as indicators of water quality. While both can be found in various environments, they have distinct attributes that set them apart from each other.

Enterococcus Spp

Enterococcus spp are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. They are gram-positive, facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. Enterococcus spp are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and high salinity levels.

One of the key attributes of Enterococcus spp is their resistance to many antibiotics, making them a concern in healthcare settings where antibiotic-resistant infections can occur. Additionally, Enterococcus spp are often used as indicators of fecal contamination in water sources, as their presence can indicate the potential presence of other harmful pathogens.

• Gram-positive bacteria
• Facultative anaerobes
• Resistant to many antibiotics
• Indicator of fecal contamination

Total Coliforms

Total Coliforms are a broader group of bacteria that includes various species, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella. They are gram-negative, facultative anaerobes, and are commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and vegetation. Total Coliforms are often used as indicators of overall water quality, as their presence can suggest contamination from various sources.

One of the key attributes of Total Coliforms is their ability to ferment lactose, which is used in laboratory tests to differentiate them from other bacteria. While not all Total Coliforms are harmful, the presence of certain species, such as E. coli, can indicate fecal contamination and the potential presence of pathogens that can cause illness.

• Gram-negative bacteria
• Facultative anaerobes
• Ability to ferment lactose
• Indicator of overall water quality

Comparison

While both Enterococcus spp and Total Coliforms are used as indicators of water quality, they have distinct attributes that make them unique. Enterococcus spp are gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics, while Total Coliforms are gram-negative bacteria that can ferment lactose. Enterococcus spp are often used as indicators of fecal contamination, while Total Coliforms are used as indicators of overall water quality.

Additionally, Enterococcus spp are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and high salinity levels, while Total Coliforms are commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and vegetation. Both types of bacteria play important roles in monitoring water quality and ensuring the safety of drinking water sources.