E. coli: Understanding Pathogenic vs. Non-Pathogenic Strains

Both pathogenic and non-pathogenic

Explanation:

Some strains of E. coli are indeed pathogenic, while others are non-pathogenic. Some of the pathogenic strains are responsible for causing food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea. On the other hand, non-pathogenic strains of E. coli are beneficial and reside in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. They play a crucial role in synthesizing essential vitamins, such as vitamin K and vitamin B12. Furthermore, these non-pathogenic strains help in the breakdown of complex food components.