Escherichia coli strain E-1246

Escherichia coli strain E-1246 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This strain is characterized by its mobility, attributed to the presence of flagella, and typically exists in pairs or as single cells. Its optimal growth temperature is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic range. E-1246 is a host-associated organism with a diverse array of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various livestock species, and a range of other vertebrates and invertebrates, such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits), and Apis mellifera (honeybees). This bacterium can also inhabit plant species, including Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). The strain is known for its pathogenic potential in humans, being linked to numerous health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and more severe conditions such as septicemia and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). It is implicated in various clinical manifestations such as diarrhea, peritonitis, and neonatal meningitis, highlighting its versatility as a pathogen. E. coli strain E-1246's ability to inhabit multiple hosts and its association with significant health impacts underscore its ecological role as both a free-living organism and a pathogen. Its presence in diverse environments and host organisms reflects the complex interactions between microbial pathogens and their hosts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring such strains in public health contexts.