Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Urinary tract infection with E.coli needs to be treated with antibiotics. Cross infection is possible with the organism if you come in contact with the urine sample directly. It would certainly not cause urinary tract infection in you, but can cause gastrointestinal tract (GI) infection in the form of diarrhea, when ingested through oral route. It is cont contagious through air, but only in the form of direct contact with fomites. Hence, you need to disinfect your hands thoroughly in case you come in contact with urine directly. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.