E. coli
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Escherichia coli |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
E. coli stands for Escherichia coli, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Gut bacterium that is mostly harmless but includes strains causing the majority of urinary tract infections, many bloodstream infections and neonatal meningitis, as well as diarrheal illness. Toxin-producing strains such as O157:H7 cause bloody diarrhea and outbreaks linked to food.
Example: Recall issued after romaine lettuce linked to E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in six states.
Usage notes
Named after German-Austrian pediatrician Theodor Escherich, who described it in 1885. Italicize the name in formal writing and spell out Escherichia at first mention. E. coli is a workhorse of molecular biology and was used to produce the first recombinant human insulin. Its presence in water samples signals fecal contamination.
Related abbreviations
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- CRE – Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
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- DAA – Direct-acting antiviral
- DOT – Directly observed therapy
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- EPT – Expedited partner therapy
- ESBL – Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
- FUO – Fever of unknown origin
- GAS – Group A Streptococcus
- GC – Gonococcus (gonorrhea)
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.