Escherichia coli strain NCTC8985

Escherichia coli strain NCTC8985 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic lifestyle, allowing it to thrive in varied oxygen environments. This strain is motile, possessing flagella, and typically exists in pairs or as single cells. As a mesophilic organism, its optimal growth temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, which aligns with the body temperature of its various hosts. NCTC8985 is free-living and has a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), and Bos taurus (cattle), among others. This broad host range extends to various classes of animals and even some plants, such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). This adaptability suggests ecological versatility and the potential for interaction with multiple ecosystems. In terms of health impacts, strain NCTC8985 is pathogenic to humans, associated with a variety of serious health conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, neonatal meningitis, and septicemia. The strain's involvement in illnesses such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and foodborne infections underscores its significance in clinical microbiology and public health. Given its pathogenic potential and ecological adaptability, E. coli strain NCTC8985 serves as a critical model for understanding bacterial pathogenicity, host interactions, and the implications of microbial ecology in both health and disease contexts. Its presence in multiple hosts reflects the complex relationships between bacteria and their environments, emphasizing the importance of monitoring such strains in both clinical and environmental settings.