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.

In less serious circumstances, symptoms can be related to an E. Coli infection. Most people will find that the symptoms disappear on their own after a few days. Mild food poisoning symptoms are to be expected but anything beyond that will require the use of antibiotics. It is possible that some strains of E. Coli can be potentially life threatening when they begin to give rise to hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Some instances of a bacterial infection will also result in flu-like symptoms. A person that is suffering from loss of appetite, a fever, abdominal tenderness, and headaches might be suffering from typhoid fever. A red rash that appears on or near the chest area will usually confirm this. Treatment for typhoid fever must be administered immediately since it can be fatal if left untreated.

Coliform infections also have their affect on women, especially those that are pregnant, nursing or have poor immune systems. The creation of urinary tract infection are usually caused by this bacterial agent. Surprisingly, the infection does not occur by drinking or eating contaminated foods. A more direct skin contact is usually the cause of the disturbance. It is possible that consuming contaminated foods can lead to the disturbance of healthy body in the body, which could then lead to the urinary tract infection.

If any contamination leads to a disturbance with the blood stream, it is incredible possible that a person has yersinia. Yersinia is considered to be the worst bacterial infections because it is quick to move beyond the gastrointestinal system and into the blood stream. This is a bad situation to occur since this means that other organs will also be infected. Unlike the other bacterias, it is not affected by cold temperatures. If on food products, they are capable of surviving refrigeration.

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.