*Edited by Marjanca Starčič Erjavec*

The title of the book "The Universe of *Escherichia coli*" aims to present and emphasize the huge diversity of this bacterial species and our efforts to prevent the *E. coli* infections. As it is part of the gut microbiota, *E. coli* is a well-known commensal species, and probiotic *E. coli* strains are successfully used for improving host's health. Also many "workhorse" *E. coli* strain exist that are employed in laboratory and biotechnology settings. But certain *E. coli* strains can cause intestinal and also extraintestinal infections at many anatomical sites. Therefore many efforts are undertaken to prevent *E. coli* infections, among them food safety, vaccines, but also new antimicrobial agents are searched for.

Published in London, UK © 2019 IntechOpen © Dr\_Microbe / iStock

The Universe of *Escherichia coli*

The Universe of

*Escherichia coli*

*Edited by Marjanca Starčič Erjavec*