Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria Science Image

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Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. These Gram-negative bacilli (rod-shaped) bacteria are normal inhabitants of the human intestine, and are usually harmless. However, under certain conditions their numbers may increase to such an extent that they cause infection. They cause 80% of all urinary tract infections, travellers' diarrhoea, particularly in tropical countries & gastroenteritis in children. They are also widely used in genetic research. Magnification: x11800 at 10cm wide.