England: This new study focused on a subpopulation of E. coli with a specific capsule - the extracellular barrier that surrounds a bacterium - known as K1. E. coli with this form of capsule has been linked to invasive illnesses such as bloodstream or kidney infections, as well as neonatal meningitis. This is because the cover permits them to imitate chemicals found in human tissues and enter the body undetected.
