Infection with an atypical (lactose-negative) E. coli was associated with increased mortality rates in a colony of triple immune deficient N:NIH(S) III mice. Affected mice were lethargic and exhibited perianal fecal staining. Slight-to-moderate thickening of the wall of the cecum and colon was found on necropsy examination. Microscopic examination revealed segmental hyperplasia of the cecal and colonic mucosa with clusters of gram negative bacteria on the surface and within the cytoplasm of mucosal epithelial cells. Scattered foci of epithelial invasion and hyperplasia were observed in the colons of C57B1/6N-nunu mice after per os inoculation with the atypical E. coli. Immunocompetant mice housed in the same room as the N:NIH(S) III's remained healthy and exhibited no gross or microscopic lesions in spite of infection.