The coliform group of bacteria includes aerobic and facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-sporeforming
bacilli that ferment lactose and form acid and gas at 35C within 48 hours.1 Members of the
Enterobacteriacae comprise the majority of this group, but organisms such as Aeromonas spp. may also be
included. Procedures to detect and confirm coliforms are used in testing water, foods, dairy products, and
other materials.1-4