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Bacteriophage

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects specific bacteria and replicates within them. In water quality, bacteriophages are used as viral models or indicators to study fecal contamination, treatment behaviour and microbiological barrier performance.

Bacteriophage

Microbiology and indicators

Definition

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects specific bacteria and replicates within them. In water quality, bacteriophages are used as viral models or indicators to study fecal contamination, treatment behaviour and microbiological barrier performance.

Why it matters

Useful for selecting the right method, product family, sampling point, report or traceability workflow in water quality programs.

  • Related AquaVerify product: ISO/EPA Kits
  • Related sector: Laboratories and municipal

Related resources

Explore technical guides, AquaVerify products, sector applications and authorized support connected with this definition.

Related terms

  • Adenovirus Adenovirus is an enteric virus that can persist under certain environmental conditions and is used in some contexts as a reference for evaluating viral persistence in water.
  • Viable bacteria Viable bacteria are microorganisms capable of remaining alive and, depending on conditions, growing or forming colonies detectable by culture methods.
  • Biofilm A biofilm is a microbial community attached to a surface and protected by an extracellular matrix. In water networks it can act as a reservoir of microorganisms and contribute to recontamination.
  • Microbial load Microbial load is the level of microorganisms present in a sample or system. It can be expressed in different units depending on the method and organism evaluated.
  • Host strain A host strain is the bacterium used as the host to detect or enumerate bacteriophages in culture methods. Its selection is critical for assay sensitivity and result interpretation.
  • Total coliforms Total coliforms are a broad group of indicator bacteria that may occur in soil, water or fecal environments. They are used to assess system integrity, treatment effectiveness and possible operational issues.
  • F-RNA coliphages F-RNA coliphages are a subgroup of F-specific coliphages with an RNA genome. They can be used in fecal contamination and viral behaviour studies depending on method, matrix and program objective.
  • F-specific coliphages F-specific coliphages are bacteriophages that infect host bacteria through F pili. They are used in methodological and comparative contexts where viral behaviour, source or contamination pathways need to be assessed.

FAQ

Definition: Bacteriophage

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects specific bacteria and replicates within them. In water quality, bacteriophages are used as viral models or indicators to study fecal contamination, treatment behaviour and microbiological barrier performance.

Why it matters: Bacteriophage

Useful for selecting the right method, product family, sampling point, report or traceability workflow in water quality programs.