Escherichia coli O118:H16 str. 2009C-4446

Escherichia coli O118:H16 str. 2009C-4446 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is facultatively anaerobic, allowing it to thrive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. This strain is characterized by its mobility, which is facilitated by the presence of flagella, and it typically arranges itself in pairs or singles. The optimal growth temperature for E. coli O118:H16 str. 2009C-4446 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range, which is conducive to growth in warm-blooded hosts. This bacterium has a single replicon and is surrounded by two membranes, consistent with the structural characteristics of Gram-negative bacteria. E. coli O118:H16 is known to be free-living, indicating its capability to exist independently in its environment, yet it is also associated with hosts. This dual nature allows it to play diverse ecological roles, potentially including both beneficial and pathogenic interactions depending on the context. The strain's GenBank accession number is JHGP00000000.1, which provides a reference for genetic and genomic studies. Understanding the ecological implications of such strains can aid in assessing their roles within microbial communities, as well as their potential impacts on host organisms and the environment.