E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for a large percentage of urinary tract infections (UTIs), with 65 to 95 percent of UTIs being caused by E. coli. The bacteria can cause infections in the urinary tract when it enters the urethra from the nearby anus, especially in women due to their anatomy. E. coli is a normal resident of the bowel and can make its way to the urinary tract, leading to UTIs. When E. coli from the bowel enters the urinary tract, it can cause serious infections. This bacterium is behind the vast majority of UTIs, and it can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Therefore, the presence of E. coli in the urine is often indicative of a urinary tract infection