What condition is E. coli primarily associated with?

E. coli, particularly a specific strain known as uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), is primarily associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pyelonephritis, which is an infection that reaches the kidney. The bacterium is commonly found in the intestines but can ascend the urinary tract, leading to infections. Women are especially susceptible to UTIs caused by E. coli due to their shorter urethra, which facilitates the bacterial ascent.

While E. coli can contribute to other conditions such as gastroenteritis or sepsis, its strong association with urinary tract infections makes option B the most accurate choice in this context. Other conditions listed, such as pneumonia, skin infections, and meningitis, are more typically linked to different pathogens or represent less common associations with E. coli.