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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Veterinary bacteriology: information about important bacteria
Veterinary bacteriology


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Coliform bacteria

Coliform bacteria (coliforms) are Gram-negative, non-spore forming and rod-shaped bacteria, which are also facultatively anaerobic, lactose-positive (during formation of gas) and oxidase-negative when grown for 24-48 h at 37°C. Heat tolerant coliforms are bacteria that also produce gas at a temperature of 44.0°C during cultivation for 24 h.

Coliform bacteria are used in food production as indicator bacteria for general hygiene. For microbiological analysis of water, coliforms are always used as indicator bacteria.

Examples of coliforms: Escherichia spp. (including E. coli), Citrobacter spp. Enterobacter spp., Hafnia spp. and Klebsiella spp.

Updated: 2015-06-17.

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