Overview
Hundreds of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains are harmless, including those that thrive in the intestinal tracts of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These strains are part of the protective microbial community in the intestine and are essential for general health. Other strains, such as E. coli serotype O157:H7, cause serious poisoning in humans, including major disease outbreaks from contaminated food and other sources affecting about 70,000 people in the United States each year.
More E. coli Overview
NIAID’s Role in E. coli Research
NIAID-supported researchers are using basic, clinical, and applied research to find new ways to detect, treat, and prevent foodborne diseases, including several research studies on Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including E. coli O157:H7.
More about NIAID’s Role in E. Coli Research |
News
NIAID Renews Funding for National Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Network—June 8, 2009
Gene Sequence of Deadly E. coli Reveals Surprisingly Dynamic Genome—Jan. 24, 2001
First Human Trial Shows that an Edible Vaccine is Feasible—April 27, 1998
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