Escherichia coli strain VREC0506

Escherichia coli strain VREC0506 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is facultatively anaerobic and exhibits mobility due to the presence of flagella. This strain is associated with a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various livestock species (e.g., Bos taurus, Sus scrofa), and numerous other organisms spanning multiple taxa such as Aves, Canis lupus familiaris, and Apis mellifera. It thrives optimally at a temperature of 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. VREC0506 has a biotic relationship classified as free-living and possesses a single replicon with a structure consisting of two membranes. Notably, this strain is implicated in a variety of health effects, particularly in humans, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions such as septicemia and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The strain is also linked to foodborne infections and has been associated with complications like neonatal meningitis and peritonitis. The extensive host range and significant pathogenic potential of E. coli strain VREC0506 underscore its ecological versatility and importance in both environmental and clinical microbiology. This strain exemplifies the complex interactions between microbial pathogens and their hosts, highlighting the potential for zoonotic transmission and the importance of monitoring such strains in public health and food safety contexts.