Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

An Overview on Escherichia coli : Its Role in Human Health and Diseases

Wuraola Aboderin^* Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
^*Correspondence: Wuraola Aboderin, Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Email:

Received: 16-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-20817; Editor assigned: 19-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. JBP-23-20817 (PQ); Reviewed: 02-Feb-2023, QC No. JBP-23-20817; Revised: 09-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-20817 (R); Published: 16-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.23.S20.037

Description

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is one of the most extensively studied and well-understood microorganisms, and is widely used in molecular biology research due to its rapid growth rate, easy genetic manipulation, and well-characterized metabolism. E. coli is also found in the human gut microbiota, where it plays an important role in nutrient absorption and disease prevention.

E. coli has a circular genome of approximately 4.6 million base pairs that encodes for over 4,000 genes. The genome is organized into several operons, which are clusters of genes that are transcribed together and often involved in related biological processes. E. coli has a variety of metabolic pathways, including both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation, and photo-heterotrophy. It is capable of using a wide range of carbon and energy sources, including sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and organic acids.

While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial to humans, some strains can cause illness. The best-known pathogenic strain of E. coli is O157:H7, which can cause severe food poisoning and is responsible for several outbreaks of illness around the world. Other pathogenic strains of E. coli include Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). These strains are typically associated with gastrointestinal infections and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

E. coli has been used extensively as a model organism in molecular biology research due to its fast growth rate, easy genetic manipulation, and well-understood metabolism. It is commonly used to produce recombinant proteins, including insulin, growth hormone, and other therapeutic proteins. E. coli is also used as a host for cloning and expression vectors, which are used to introduce foreign DNA into cells for study.

In addition to its use as a model organism, E. coli is also used in biotechnology applications. For example, it is used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, and in the production of chemicals, such as acetone and butanol. E. coli is also used in environmental remediation, where it can be used to break down pollutants and toxins in soil and water.

Escherichia coli are a versatile and important bacterium that plays a vital role in human health and disease, as well as in scientific research and biotechnology applications. While some strains of E. coli can cause illness, the vast majority of strains are harmless and even beneficial to humans. With its well-characterized genetics and metabolism, E. coli will continue to be an important model organism for research and a valuable tool for biotechnology and environmental applications.