Escherichia coli strain EC117

Escherichia coli strain EC117 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism and demonstrates mobility due to the presence of flagella. It typically thrives at an optimal temperature of 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. This strain is characterized by a free-living biotic relationship and is primarily host-associated, indicating its reliance on various hosts for survival. EC117 has a wide host range, including Homo sapiens, various livestock (e.g., Bos taurus, Sus scrofa), and other vertebrates such as Aves and Canis lupus familiaris. Additionally, it can associate with multiple plant species, indicating its ecological versatility. The strain has a single replicon and is surrounded by two membranes, a trait common to Gram-negative bacteria. Clinically, E. coli strain EC117 is associated with numerous health effects in humans and other hosts. It is implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and more severe conditions such as neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The strain's ability to cause these diseases highlights its pathogenic potential, particularly in relation to enteric and urinary tract health. The ecological insight from this data suggests that E. coli strain EC117 plays a significant role in both health and disease across a diverse range of hosts. Its adaptability and pathogenicity underline the importance of monitoring and understanding this strain in public health and environmental microbiology.