Escherichia coli strain A240

Escherichia coli strain A240 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that displays a facultative anaerobic metabolism. This strain is capable of moving due to the presence of flagella and typically arranges itself in pairs or as singles. A240 thrives optimally at a temperature of 37°C, categorizing it as mesophilic. It is characterized by having a single replicon and two membranes. This strain has a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), Bos taurus (cattle), and various other species across multiple taxa such as mammals, reptiles, and even plants like Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). The ability of E. coli A240 to inhabit a variety of host organisms highlights its adaptability and potential for establishing complex biotic relationships. E. coli A240 is associated with a wide spectrum of health effects, particularly in humans, where it can cause conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal infections, and even severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Its pathogenicity is primarily linked to human hosts, indicating its significance in clinical microbiology and public health. The ecological insight derived from E. coli A240's wide host range and pathogenic potential suggests its role in both environmental and health-related contexts. Its presence in various hosts underscores the importance of monitoring this strain to mitigate its impact on health and understand its ecological dynamics within different environments.