Understanding E. coli and Its Risks

E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Many strains are harmless and even play a role in normal gut flora. But certain strains can cause serious disease—including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, foodborne illness, and sepsis. In particular, antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli have become a major global health concern.

When E. coli enters sites of the body where it doesn’t belong—such as the urinary tract, bloodstream, or other normally sterile tissues—it can trigger infection. The bacterium’s ability to adapt, survive in hostile environments, and resist antibiotics means that what might once have been a routine infection can now require complex treatment.

Recent research has revealed that at least one strain of E. coli,