In water bacteriology testing, which organism is considered the most specific indicator of recent fecal contamination?

• A Escherichia coli ✓
• B Total coliform count
• C Clostridium perfringens
• D Faecal streptococci

Explanation

E. coli is the gold standard indicator of recent fecal pollution because it is abundant in human and animal intestines, does not multiply in water, and correlates best with enteric pathogen presence. Total coliforms include environmental species that may not indicate fecal contamination. Clostridium spores persist long after contamination and indicate remote rather than recent pollution. Faecal streptococci are useful for confirming fecal source but are less specific.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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