Book

Pathogenicity of Escherichia coli: Virulence Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Control Strategies provides a concise, evidence-based synthesis of the molecular and clinical determinants of Escherichia coli pathogenicity. Despite its central role as a model organism, pathogenic E. coli remains a major global health concern, driven by extensive genomic plasticity, horizontal gene transfer, and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This volume integrates foundational aspects of taxonomy, genome organisation, and cellular physiology with advanced analysis of virulence evolution, including pathogenicity islands, plasmids, and bacteriophage-associated factors. Key virulence mechanisms—adhesion systems, toxins, type III secretion systems, iron acquisition strategies, and immune evasion—are examined at the molecular level. Major pathotypes (EPEC, ETEC, STEC/EHEC, EIEC, EAEC, UPEC, NMEC, and ExPEC) are comparatively discussed in relation to host-pathogen interactions, tissue tropism, and disease outcomes. Core pathophysiological processes underlying diarrheal disease, urinary tract infections, sepsis, meningitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome are addressed with mechanistic clarity. The book also outlines contemporary diagnostic approaches, including molecular and genomic tools, and critically evaluates antimicrobial resistance mechanisms such as ESBLs and carbapenemases in the context of current therapeutic strategies and stewardship. Positioned within a One Health framework, this work offers a focused and authoritative reference for researchers, clinicians, and advanced students seeking a mechanistic understanding of E. coli pathogenicity in modern biomedical science.