Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0401

Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0401 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism. It typically exists in pairs or as single cells and possesses flagella, which confer mobility. This strain is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, making it well-suited for survival in various host environments. FWSEC0401 is associated with a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), and many others across multiple taxa, including mammals, birds, and plants. This broad host range indicates its ecological versatility and adaptability to different biological environments. The strain is known for its pathogenicity in humans, being linked to numerous health issues, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions such as neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These health effects highlight the strain's significance as a public health concern, as it is implicated in both foodborne and opportunistic infections. FWSEC0401's ability to engage in free-living biotic relationships further enhances its ecological role, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments. Its pathogenic potential, combined with its capacity to colonize various host organisms, underscores the importance of monitoring this strain in clinical and agricultural settings, particularly regarding food safety and health risks associated with zoonotic transmission.