Escherichia

Escherichia is a genus of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that are part of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Many Escherichia bacteria normally live in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals, where some strains contribute to normal intestinal microbial balance. The best-known species is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which includes harmless strains as well as pathogenic strains capable of causing disease. Certain Escherichia species or strains may cause gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, neonatal meningitis, and other illnesses. Escherichia bacteria are also widely studied in microbiology, genetics, and biotechnology because of their importance as model organisms.

Escherichia is a group of bacteria that commonly live in the intestines of people and animals. Many are harmless, but some types, especially certain strains of E. coli, can cause infections.

• Genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the Enterobacteriaceae family • Commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals • Includes both harmless and disease-causing bacteria • Most well-known species is Escherichia coli (E. coli) • Some strains can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and other diseases • Important in medical microbiology and scientific research • Certain strains of E. coli are widely used as model organisms in genetics and biotechnology