∞ generated and posted on 2016.01.29 ∞
Rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria that are able to ferment the sugar lactose at body temperatures, that is, at approximately 37°C.
Coliforms serve as indicators of fecal contamination, such as of water, because they are found in great quantities in the feces of warm-blooded animals such as ourselves. E. coli is a typical coliform bacterium. See also Family Enterobacteriaceae.