The fecal coliform group is comprised of Escherichia coli and ___________

The fecal coliform group primarily includes bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and are indicators of fecal contamination in water sources. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most commonly identified member of this group, which serves as a critical indicator of water quality and safety.

Klebsiella is a significant member of the fecal coliform group. It shares similar characteristics with E. coli, such as the ability to ferment lactose at elevated temperatures, which is a key trait used in laboratory testing to identify fecal coliforms. The presence of Klebsiella in water can indicate contamination and potential health risks.

While Streptococcus, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter are also related to fecal contamination and have their own relevance in water quality testing, Klebsiella is specifically noted for its inclusion in the fecal coliform classification. This is why recognizing the role of Klebsiella alongside E. coli is important in understanding fecal contamination in wastewater and other environments.