Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0242

Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0242 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits mobility due to the presence of flagella. This strain is classified as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to thrive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. It is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which aligns with the typical body temperature of many host organisms. FWSEC0242 is host-associated and demonstrates a free-living biotic relationship, indicating its ability to survive outside of host organisms. It has been identified in a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various domestic animals such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), and Sus scrofa (pigs), as well as in some plant species like Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). This wide host range suggests that FWSEC0242 may have versatile ecological roles, potentially influencing both animal health and agricultural practices. This strain is implicated in numerous health effects, particularly in humans, where it is associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and neonatal meningitis. The presence of FWSEC0242 in diverse hosts and its potential to cause a range of diseases underscore its importance in public health and veterinary medicine, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and research into its pathogenicity and ecological impact.