Escherichia coli strain NCTC9117

Escherichia coli strain NCTC9117 is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium characterized by its rod shape and the presence of flagella, which contributes to its mobility. This strain typically resides in host-associated environments, reflecting its adaptability to various biological hosts, including Homo sapiens and other mammals, birds, and even certain plants like Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. italica. The optimal growth temperature for E. coli NCTC9117 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. It has a single replicon and possesses two membranes, typical of the Gram-negative bacteria. This strain is known to have a wide range of biotic relationships, functioning as a free-living organism while also causing significant health effects in its hosts. E. coli NCTC9117 is associated with various health concerns, particularly in humans, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and neonatal meningitis, among others. It is also implicated in severe conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and septicemia. The diverse pathogenicity of this strain highlights its role in both health and disease, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring in clinical and agricultural settings. Its ability to thrive in a variety of hosts and environments suggests a complex ecological niche, where it can influence not only the health of individual hosts but also broader ecological dynamics.