Iron bacteria are naturally present in surface waters and soils and sometimes may find their way into wells. Iron bacteria do not cause illness, but are considered a nuisance bacteria. These bacteria can oxidize iron or manganese dissolved in water around their bodies. In the laboratory, the sample is processed and examined under a microscope for iron bacteria. The genera and estimated number of iron bacteria are reported.
Sulfate reducing bacteria and iron bacteria can co-exist in the same environment.
The laboratory assay involves the culturing of live bacteria from a 100 ml sample. A 21-day incubation period is required before the sample can be called negative. The organisms are spread by the fecal-oral route. The illness caused by Cryptosporidium is characterized by watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The illness caused by Giardia is characterized by nausea and fatigue, followed by watery diarrhea that can last more than 10 days.