Escherichia coli strain E2855

Escherichia coli strain E2855 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is facultatively anaerobic, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This strain is mobile due to the presence of flagella and typically exists in pairs or singles. The optimal growth temperature for E2855 is 37°C, classifying it as mesophilic. E2855 is host-associated and free-living, with a broad range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), various livestock such as Bos taurus (cattle) and Gallus gallus (chickens), as well as numerous other vertebrates and invertebrates. Notably, it has been identified in association with plants such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), indicating a potential ecological role in plant-associated microbiomes. This strain is linked to a multitude of health effects, primarily in humans, where it is known to cause urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and other serious conditions such as neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The pathogenicity of E2855 highlights its significance in clinical microbiology, particularly concerning foodborne illnesses and urinary tract infections. The diversity of hosts and the extensive health implications associated with E2855 underscore the complex interactions between this E. coli strain and both human health and environmental ecosystems. This diversity may reflect evolutionary adaptations that enable it to thrive in varying habitats, including both animal and plant hosts, thereby influencing disease dynamics and ecological balances.