The facts
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are commonly found in the large intestine of nearly all healthy people and, like GBS, may be passed to a baby during delivery
- In addition to causing neonatal meningitis, E.coli can also cause meningitis in other vulnerable groups such as older adults
- Although most strains of E. coli do not cause disease, serious infections may occur if the bacteria invade areas of the body in which they are not normally found, such as the urinary tract, blood stream, or meninges.
- See Neonatal meningitis