Coliform Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are defined as rod-shaped, Gram-negative organisms, which ferment lactose and produce acids and aldehydes. The coliforms include Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter and may include Serratia and Edwardsiella. Coliforms are normally found in the aquatic environment and on vegetation but also in bodies and excreta. Therefore, they are also used as an indicator of faecal contamination of water.