Okay so of course everyone know what E-coli is, it’s a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. But a few years ago in biology class I realized it’s also a microbe in our gut system. So how does something that’s dangerous live inside our gut without affecting us?
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E. Coli is a family. The E. Coli that usually lives in your gut is harmless and for lack of a better comparison: domesticated. It evolved together with humans. Both humans and the E. Coli are better off for having eachother. They help you digest stuff, while getting a meal for themselves. Give and take. But there are also strains, that are more selfish. If you get infected with one, you get food poisoning. Your body recognises that they’re selfish, and wants to get rid of them. Diarrhoea ensues.
Your gut are a good living spot for bacteria. Food, safety, constant climate. There’s always a battle going on, between different types of bacteria and other micro-orgsnisms. A bit like at a concert without reserved seats: everyone wants the best spots in the front. Having the best sport already taken by the nice guys, the bad guys (hooligans?) don’t have a chance. That’s why anti-biotics often give you diarrhoea, they wipe out 90 percent of all bacterie, the good guys just as much as the bad guys, so the battle for the best spots start again.
Your body does have a few tricks up its sleeve to make it a more hospitable place for the good guys, and less attractive for the bad guys. Diarrhoea, immune system, motility, to name a few.
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