Following an outbreak of Hepatitis A, the water supply is sampled.

Coliform bacteria areindicators of fecal contaminationin water, making them a critical measure of water safety. Hepatitis A is a virus primarily transmitted via thefecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.

Step-by-Step Justification:

Fecal Contamination and Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads through ingestion of water contaminated with fecal matter. Highcoliform countsindicate fecal contamination and increase the risk of HAV outbreaks​.

Use of Coliforms as Indicators:

Public health agencies usetotal coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli)as primary indicators of water safety because theysignal fecal pollution​.

Waterborne Transmission of Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A outbreaks have been traced tocontaminated drinking water, ice, and improperly treated wastewater.Coliform detection signals a need for immediate action​.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Pseudomonads:

Pseudomonads (e.g.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa) areenvironmental bacteriabut are not indicators of fecal contamination.

C. Legionella:

Legionellaspecies causeLegionnaires' diseasethrough inhalation of contaminated aerosols,not through fecal-oral transmission.

D. Acinetobacter:

Acinetobacterspecies are opportunistic pathogens in healthcare settings butare not indicators of waterborne fecal contamination.

CBIC Infection Control References:

APIC Text, "Water Systems and Infection Control Measures"​.

APIC Text, "Hepatitis A Transmission and Waterborne Outbreaks"​.