Escherichia coli strain KCJK8909

Escherichia coli strain KCJK8909 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism. It is capable of mobility due to the presence of flagella, and it typically arranges itself in pairs or as singles. This strain thrives optimally at 37°C and falls within the mesophilic temperature range. KCJK8909 is host-associated and demonstrates a free-living biotic relationship, indicating its ability to exist outside of a host organism. It has a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various species of livestock such as Bos taurus and Sus scrofa, as well as numerous other animals and even plants like Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. italica. This wide host range suggests a significant ecological adaptability, allowing KCJK8909 to play various roles in different ecosystems. The strain is known for its pathogenic potential in humans, being implicated in a variety of health issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and more severe conditions like neonatal meningitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). It has been associated with foodborne infections and can lead to severe outcomes including renal failure and septicemia. The multifaceted pathogenicity of KCJK8909 highlights its importance in both clinical settings and public health. Understanding its traits and host interactions can inform strategies for managing infections and preventing outbreaks, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into its behavior and impact on health and disease dynamics.