Who would have thought it? A cuddly toy in the shape of a virus! These cuddly characters are incredibly endearing and educational too. Each one comes with a detailed scientific description and photograph of what he looks like under the microscope, along with medical tips on how to avoid picking up these bugs in daily life. Children seem to be totally fascinated by them, and it really helps when explaining all about why they are feeling poorly. The perfect gift to accompany a Get Well card. Also a brilliant present for medical students, doctors and nurses etc. You will soon understand why they are becoming amazingly popular! Start collecting now... The Escherichia coli bacterium was identified in 1885 by Autralian physician Theodor von Escherich. It's peritrichious flagella (the hairs that can sprout anywhere on its body) can twirl around and propel the bacterium about. Many Strains of E. coli are harmless, and huge numbers are present in the human and animal gut. In addition, E. Coli is among the most studied of all creatures, great and small. Because E. coli contamination requires very few bacteria, contaminated meat looks and smells normal. So, if you're a carnivore, the surest way of avoiding a close encounter with E. coli is to cook your food well.