Escherichia coli strain VREC0385

Escherichia coli strain VREC0385 is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium with a rod-shaped morphology. It is characterized by its mobility, facilitated by the presence of flagella, and it typically exists in pairs or singles. This strain thrives optimally at 37°C and falls within the mesophilic temperature range. E. coli VREC0385 is notable for its broad host spectrum, which includes a variety of species such as Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, and even diverse plant species like Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. italica. This indicates a complex ecological role, as it can inhabit multiple environments, both in animal hosts and associated with plants. The strain is associated with several health effects, primarily in humans, where it can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and severe conditions like hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Additionally, it has implications in neonatal health, with associations to neonatal meningitis and early onset neonatal sepsis. Given its pathogenicity and ability to colonize a wide range of hosts, E. coli VREC0385 exemplifies the intricate dynamics of host-associated microbes in ecosystems. Its capacity to cause significant health issues underlines the importance of monitoring and understanding pathogenic strains within both human and veterinary contexts.