What disease is associated with Escherichia coli infection?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is most commonly associated with gastrointestinal disorders, making this the correct answer. E. coli is a type of bacteria that resides in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause foodborne illnesses leading to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

The pathogenic strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, produce toxins that can damage the intestinal lining, resulting in gastrointestinal disorders, including hemorrhagic colitis and potentially leading to more severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome. Understanding the role of E. coli in these disorders is crucial for preventing and managing infections, especially in food safety and public health contexts.

Other options reference diseases that are unrelated to E. coli. For example, malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, and hepatitis A is a viral liver infection. Each of these is fundamentally different from the bacterial infections caused by E. coli, affirming that gastrointestinal disorders are the only option that aligns with the effects of E. coli infections.