E. coli bacteria

Rights Managed

SS291655

3V3644

Escherichia coli. Illustration of E. coli, a rod shaped bacteria found in the intestinal tract. Normally E. coli serves a useful function by suppressing the growth of harmful bacterial and synthesizing vitamins. A minority of E. coli strains can cause human illness. E. coli O157:H7 is a rare variety that produces potent toxins that cause severe damage to the intestine through diarrhea and internal bleeding. These toxins are closely related to the toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae, the organism that causes bacterial dysentery.

Jim Dowdalls/Science Source

nps