Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0542

Escherichia coli strain FWSEC0542 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits mobility through the presence of flagella. This strain is categorized as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. FWSEC0542 has a unique habitat that is host-associated, indicating its presence in various biological hosts. The strain displays a free-living biotic relationship and has been identified in a wide array of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various livestock (e.g., Bos taurus, Sus scrofa), and other vertebrates as well as certain plants like Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. italica. This diverse range of hosts suggests a significant ecological versatility and interaction within different ecosystems. FWSEC0542 is known for its pathogenicity in humans, being associated with numerous health effects such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions including neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The presence of this strain in multiple host species underscores its potential impact on both human health and veterinary medicine. Given its wide host range and association with various diseases, FWSEC0542 exemplifies the complexities of microbial interactions in health and disease, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and research in microbiological ecology and public health.