Faecal Steptococci

FAECAL STREPTOCOCCI

  • Streptococci of various types are present in a number of situations in the human and animal body. In human faeces the most characteristic type is that usually referred to as Str.faecalis.
  • The value of a bacteriological test for the detection of these organisms in water supplies appears to be largely undecided at the present time. Many workers are of the opinion that it adds little to the information yielded by the test for coliform bacilli.
  • Other workers, on the other hand, believe that it has a considerable value in assisting the interpretation of bacteriological analysis when the results of the coliform test are irregular or indefinite.
  • Thus, for example , when it is uncertain whether certain irregular types of coliform bacilli are or are not of faecal origin, the accompanying presence of faecal streptococci will constitute presumptive evidence that the irregular coliform types are derived from faeces. 
Last modified: Wednesday, 9 March 2011, 9:10 AM