Coliform bacteria

Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rods that ferment lactose with acid and gas at 35–37 °C. Thermotolerant coliforms do so at 44–44.5 °C; E. coli is the specific indicator of faecal pollution in drinking water.

• Also: total coliforms
• Also: thermotolerant coliforms
• Also: faecal coliforms