Which bacteria species is included in coliform bacteria?

Coliform bacteria is a term that refers specifically to a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, including in feces of warm-blooded animals. Among these, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a key representative species. E. coli is frequently used as an indicator organism in water quality testing to assess the potential presence of fecal contamination and the overall microbiological quality of water.

E. coli is notable for its role as a member of the coliform group, as it can indicate the presence of pathogens that may cause gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested through contaminated water or food. The classification of E. coli within coliform bacteria highlights its significance in environmental microbiology and public health.

The other species listed, such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium, belong to different bacterial groups and do not fall under the category of coliform bacteria. Their physiological and ecological behaviors differ from those of coliforms, which primarily serve as indicators of fecal contamination rather than being part of the coliform classification system.