ABSTRACT
The genus Escherichia comprises a small group of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial species that form a part of gut microbiota in mammalian hosts including humans. This chapter presents a brief overview on E. coli classification, biology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It discusses laboratory models that have been applied to the study of E. coli, with the goal of unlocking the secrets of its pathogenic mechanisms and aiding in the development of improved anti-infection strategies. A variety of animals have been utilized as models for investigating E. coli infection and disease. Constituting a key member within the genus Escherichia, E. coli is a remarkable bacterium that encompasses a large number of strains of varied pathogenic potential. The genome of E. coli strain MG1655 consists of a circular DNA molecule 4.64 Mb in length, with 4288 protein-coding genes, 7 rRNA operons, and 86 tRNA genes, together with a number of transposable genetic elements, repeat elements, cryptic prophages, and bacteriophage remnants.
