E. coli bacteria, illustration - Stock-Grafiken

E. coli bacteria, illustration. Escherichia coli is a rod-shaped bacterium (bacillus). Its cell membrane is covered in fine filaments called pili or fimbriae. Hair-like structures called flagella at the rear of each bacterium provide propulsion to make it move. E. coli is a normal component of the intestinal bacterial flora, but under certain conditions some strains can cause severe infections such as gastroenteritis.