Escherichia coli strain 52_rectal

Escherichia coli strain 52_rectal is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism and possesses flagella, indicating its motility. This strain is primarily host-associated, found in various hosts including Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, and others across diverse taxa, such as Metazoa and Vertebrata. The optimal growth temperature for this strain is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range, which is ideal for growth in warm-blooded animals. E. coli strain 52_rectal has significant pathogenic potential, being associated with a wide array of health effects, particularly in humans. It is implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions such as neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The strain can contribute to diverse clinical manifestations, including diarrhea, septicemia, and even colorectal cancer. The presence of such a broad spectrum of pathogenicity highlights its relevance in both clinical and public health contexts. The ecological role of E. coli strain 52_rectal as a free-living organism suggests it can thrive independently in various environments, potentially influencing microbial communities. Its association with numerous hosts underscores its adaptability and ability to spread across different ecological niches, which may have implications for infection control and understanding the dynamics of microbial transmission in both animal and human health.