1857-1911

German bacteriologist who first isolated the E. coli bacteria. Escherich first discovered the bacteria Bacterium coli (later renamed Escherichia coli in his honor) in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. While the benign form of the bacterium is used in the digestive process, harmful strains of E. coli can contaminate beef, fruit juice, and other foods, causing severe food poisoning symptoms. Escherich was also a pioneering pediatrician who worked to improve child care, especially infant hygiene and nutrition.