Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0339

Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0339 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium characterized as a facultative anaerobe. It is capable of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, allowing it to thrive in various environments, particularly those associated with host organisms. This strain exhibits mobility due to the presence of flagella and typically arranges itself in pairs or as singles. The optimal growth temperature for FWSEC0339 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic range, which is conducive to its survival in warm-blooded hosts. It possesses a single replicon and two membranes, which are typical features of Gram-negative bacteria. Its biotic relationship is free-living, suggesting it can exist independently while being associated with a diverse range of hosts. FWSEC0339 has been implicated in a wide array of health issues, particularly in humans and other vertebrates, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and even severe conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and neonatal meningitis. The strain's ability to affect multiple hosts, including mammals such as Homo sapiens and Bos taurus, as well as various other vertebrates and invertebrates, underscores its ecological versatility. The extensive pathogenic effects associated with FWSEC0339 highlight its role in public health and veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and research into its transmission and virulence mechanisms. Understanding its interactions with different hosts can provide insights into its ecological dynamics and the potential for zoonotic transfer.