E. coli: Genomics, Evolution and Pathogenesis

Although most strains of E. coli bacteria are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, several strains can produce powerful toxins and cause severe illness in humans. This versatile pathogen is best known for being transmitted to humans through contaminated foods — such as undercooked meat and unpasteurized fruit juice — and has attracts much attention when serious outbreaks occur.

E. coli is capable of causing a wide variety of diseases — from urinary tract infecti...