Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a non-spore forming, Gram-negative, rod-shaped facultative anerobe, which is found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae. E.coli is chemoorganotrophic and grows at 37°C. Pathogenic E.coli strains is associated with diarrhea, septicemia, meningitis and urinary tract infections. It inhibits the colonization of the gut by harmful bacteria. E.coli acts as an indicator of fecal contamination.
