Is Escherichia coli (E. coli) a Gram-negative bacterium?

From the Guidelines

Yes, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative bacterium.

Characteristics of E. coli

• E. coli is a type of facultative and aerobic gram-negative organism 1
• It is one of the most common causes of gram-negative neonatal sepsis, accounting for 15% of cases 1
• E. coli is also a common cause of intra-abdominal infections, particularly those derived from the colon 1

Antibiotic Resistance

• E. coli has been shown to have high levels of resistance to certain antibiotics, including ampicillin, gentamicin, and ceftriaxone 1
• The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in E. coli can vary, but it is a significant concern in the treatment of infections caused by this organism 1

Treatment

• The treatment of E. coli infections depends on the severity and location of the infection, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the organism 1
• In general, empirical antibiotic regimens should be active against enteric gram-negative aerobic and facultative bacilli, including E. coli 1

From the Research

Classification of Escherichia coli

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is classified as a Gram-negative bacterium 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Characteristics of E. coli

• E. coli is a facultative, anaerobic Gram-negative rod 4
• It is a commensal bacterium that inhabits the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals 4
• E. coli can cause various diseases, including intestinal and extraintestinal infections 4, 6

Identification of E. coli

• E. coli can be identified using PCR-based tests that target specific genes, such as the universal stress protein gene 5
• The bacterium can also be characterized by its electrophoretic mobility and surface properties 3

Pathogenicity of E. coli

• Some E. coli strains are pathogenic and can cause diseases in humans and animals 2, 4, 6
• The pathogenicity of E. coli is influenced by various factors, including the presence of virulence factors and the host's immune response 6