Escherichia coli strain 103

Escherichia coli strain 103 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism, allowing it to thrive in various oxygen conditions. This strain is motile, possessing flagella, and typically arranges itself in pairs and singles. Its optimal growth temperature is 37°C, classifying it as mesophilic. E. coli strain 103 is primarily host-associated, with a diverse range of hosts including humans (Homo sapiens), various mammals (e.g., Bos taurus, Sus scrofa), birds (Aves), amphibians, and even certain plants like Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. italica. This broad host range indicates its adaptability and ecological versatility. The strain is known for its pathogenic potential, linked to numerous health issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and septicemia. These health effects underscore the strain's role in both human and veterinary medicine, highlighting its impact on public health and agriculture. E. coli strain 103 possesses two replicons and two membranes, suggesting complex genomic organization typical of many Enterobacteriaceae. Its ability to cause a variety of diseases, from diarrhea to neonatal meningitis, indicates a significant ecological role, as it can inhabit and affect multiple species, thereby influencing both host health and microbial community dynamics. This adaptability underscores the importance of monitoring and understanding such pathogens in ecological and clinical contexts.