Different Species of E. coli

It may have surprised you to have heard that there are such different species of E. coli. The deaths and illlnesses in Europe are being connected with an unusual species of E. coli – a species that is not usually widespread. E. coli is one of many bacteria that are a subgroup of the fecal bacterias. I have seen conflicting data on what is an optimum temperature for this bacteria. I would suspect it is due to the variety within this species – some E. colis may thrive better at 35˚C while others may like 44˚C. Some give off very harmful toxins as they grow and die. Some are harmless to your health. Strange isn’t it? There is still LOTS to learn about even about this much-studied organism.