Escherichia coli

Definition

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common type of bacteria found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, including humans. It is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is a key player in bacterial infections, as well as a significant factor in urinary tract infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. E. coli is a common cause of foodborne illnesses, often associated with undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized dairy products, and contaminated produce.
2. Certain strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7, can produce Shiga toxin and cause severe diarrheal illnesses, including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
3. E. coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), accounting for up to 90% of all community-acquired UTIs.
4. Antibiotic resistance in E. coli is a growing concern, with some strains developing resistance to multiple antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.
5. E. coli is an important indicator organism used to assess the microbiological quality and safety of water, food, and other environmental samples.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of Escherichia coli in the context of bacterial infections.
  • Escherichia coli is a common and versatile bacterium that can cause a wide range of bacterial infections in humans. It is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, often associated with the consumption of undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized dairy products, and contaminated produce. Certain strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7, can produce Shiga toxin and cause severe diarrheal illnesses, including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. E. coli is also a significant factor in urinary tract infections, accounting for up to 90% of all community-acquired UTIs. The growing concern over antibiotic resistance in E. coli strains makes the treatment of these infections more challenging.
• Describe the significance of Escherichia coli in the context of urinary anti-infectives.
  • Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are a significant public health concern. As the primary causative agent of up to 90% of all community-acquired UTIs, E. coli plays a crucial role in the development and treatment of these infections. The ability of E. coli to colonize the urinary tract and evade the body's immune defenses makes it a prime target for urinary anti-infective therapies. Understanding the specific mechanisms and virulence factors of E. coli in UTIs is essential for the development of effective antimicrobial strategies and the management of these common and recurrent infections.
• Analyze the importance of Escherichia coli as an indicator organism for assessing the microbiological quality and safety of water, food, and other environmental samples.
  • Escherichia coli is widely used as an indicator organism to assess the microbiological quality and safety of various environmental samples, including water, food, and other materials. As a member of the coliform group of bacteria, E. coli is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, including humans. The presence of E. coli in a sample is often indicative of fecal contamination, which can signal the potential presence of other harmful pathogens. By monitoring the levels of E. coli in environmental samples, public health authorities and regulatory agencies can evaluate the overall microbiological quality and safety, and take appropriate measures to protect public health. The use of E. coli as an indicator organism is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of our water, food, and other essential resources.

Related terms

Gram-negative bacteria: Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, indicating they have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Coliform bacteria: A group of bacteria that are found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, including humans, and are often used as indicators of fecal contamination.

Urinary tract infection (UTI): An infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and is commonly caused by E. coli.