What is the primary organism identified in the fecal coliform test?

The primary organism identified in the fecal coliform test is Escherichia coli. This test is specifically designed to detect the presence of coliform bacteria in water, which are indicators of fecal contamination. Among coliform bacteria, E. coli is the most significant as it is commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is indicative of fecal contamination that may pose a health risk.

E. coli is used as a reliable indicator because of its specific association with animal feces and its relatively high concentration in such samples compared to other pathogens. While other organisms like fecal streptococci or Enterobacter aerogenes might also be present in fecal matter, E. coli is specifically utilized to determine safety standards for potable water and evaluate sanitation processes.

It’s also important to note that while pathogens like Salmonella typhosa are of concern regarding waterborne illnesses, they are not the primary organism tested for in a fecal coliform test. Instead, the focus remains on E. coli due to its role as a strong indicator of fecal pollution and the potential presence of harmful pathogens that may accompany it in contaminated environments.