Microbiology Tech Info

  Overview Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, including humans. E. coli is a facultative anaerobe, meaning that it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause illness through the production of toxins. In humans, E. coli infections can lead to diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and in severe cases, kidney failure. These infections are usually spread through contaminated food or water, or by coming into contact with fecal matter from infected individuals. Some strains of E. coli can cause illness through the production of virulence factors such as enterotoxins, hemolysins, and adhesins. These strains are responsible for a range of illnesses, including gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and in severe cases, sepsis and meningitis. E. coli is an important model organism for genetic and molecular biology res...