The presence of coliform microorganisms in drinking water represents a sign of fecal contamination and indicates the potential contamination also with pathogenic bacterial species such as Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., or Vibrio cholerae. ... coli when this species is isolated from water.

What type of organism is Shigella?

Shigella organisms are a group of gram-negative, facultative intracellular pathogens. They were recognized as the etiologic agents of bacillary dysentery or shigellosis in the 1890s. Shigella were discovered over 100 years ago by a Japanese microbiologist named Shiga, for whom the genus is named.

What are coliform group of bacteria?

Coliform bacteria are defined as Rod shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming and motile or non-motile bacteria which can ferment lactose with the production of acid and gas when incubated at 35–37°C. ... Such pathogens include disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or protozoa and many multicellular parasites.