Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0040

Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0040 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic lifestyle. It is motile and possesses flagella, allowing for movement in its host-associated habitats. This strain grows optimally at 37°C and falls within the mesophilic temperature range. FWSEC0040 has a diverse range of potential hosts, which includes various species such as Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), and many others across different taxa, including mammals, birds, and even some plants like Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). This broad host range contributes to its ecological versatility and highlights its ability to thrive in different biological environments. The strain is associated with numerous health effects in humans, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, neonatal meningitis, and other severe conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and septicemia. These health implications underscore the pathogenicity of FWSEC0040 within human hosts, leading to a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from mild diarrhea to severe systemic infections. The ability of FWSEC0040 to inhabit multiple hosts and its association with significant health issues illustrate its ecological role as a pathogen. This strain's varied pathogenic potential emphasizes the importance of monitoring E. coli in both clinical and environmental settings to mitigate its impact on public health.