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Definition E. coli (Escherichia coli) is one of several types of bacteria that normally inhabit the intestine of humans and animals (commensal organism). Some strains of E. coli are capable of causing disease under certain conditions when the immune system is compromised or disease may result from an environmental exposure. Description E. coli bacteria may give rise to infections in http://www.answers.com/topic/wound, the urinary tract, biliary tract, and abdominal cavity (http://www.answers.com/topic/peritonitis). This organism may cause septicemia, neonatal http://www.answers.com/topic/meningitis, infantile http://www.answers.com/topic/gastroenteritis, tourist http://www.answers.com/topic/diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. An E. coli infection may also arise due to environmental exposure. Infections with this type of bacteria pose a serious threat to public health with outbreaks arising from food and water that has been contaminated with human or animal feces or sewage. This type of bacteria has been used as a biological indicator for safety of drinking water since the 1890s. Exposure may also occur during hospitalization, resulting in http://www.answers.com/topic/pneumonia in immunocompromised patients or those on a ventilator

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