Crossword Genius

Leaders of Europe call off large invasion - it's a sickener (1,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

e coli

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'a sickener' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'leaders of europe call off large invasion' is the wordplay.
'leaders of' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'europe call off large invasion' is 'E COLI'.

'it's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for e coli that I've seen before include "Type of bacteria causing food poisoning" , "Cause of internal problem" , "cause of illness" , "Some types of this bacterium are toxic" , "cause of ill-feeling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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