coliform bacteria

views updated

coliform bacteria A group of aerobic, lactose‐fermenting bacteria, of which Escherichia coli is the most important member. Most coliforms are not harmful, but since they arise from faeces, they are useful as a test of faecal contamination, and particularly as a test for water pollution. Some strains of E. coli produce toxins, or are otherwise pathogenic, and are associated with food poisoning.

More From encyclopedia.com