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Escherichia coli ( / ˌɛʃəˈrɪkiə ˈkoʊlaɪ / ESH-ə-RIK-ee-ə KOH-ly) [1] [2] is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. [3] [4] Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some serotypes such as EPEC, and ETEC are ...
- EPEC
Introduction. E. coli and related bacteria constitute about...
- Gram-negative
Microscopic image of gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa...
- Enterobacteriaceae
Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative...
- Salmonella Enterica
Salmonella enterica (formerly Salmonella choleraesuis) is a...
- Facultative Anaerobic
Functions. Facultative anaerobes are able to grow in both...
- EPEC
- Overview
- How E. coli infections spread
- Who’s at risk for developing an E. coli infection?
- What are the symptoms of this infection?
- How to prevent spreading E. coli
Some strains of E. coli, including those that cause gastrointestinal symptoms and infection, are contagious. You can also get an infection from undercooked meat or contaminated foods.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria found in the digestive tract. It’s mostly harmless, but some strains of this bacteria can cause infection and illness. E. coli is typically spread through contaminated food, but it can also pass from person to person. If you receive a diagnosis of an E. coli infection, you’re considered to be highly contagious.
Infectious E. coli bacteria can be spread from humans and animals. The most common ways it spreads are:
•eating undercooked or raw meat
•eating contaminated, raw fruits and vegetables
•drinking unpasteurized milk
•swimming in or drinking contaminated water
•contact with a person who has poor hygiene and doesn’t wash their hands regularly
Anyone has the potential to develop an E. coli infection if they’re exposed to the bacteria. However, children and elderly people are more susceptible to this infection. They’re also more likely to experience complications from the bacteria.
Other risk factors for developing this infection include:
•Weakened immune system. People with a compromised immune system — more so from disease, steroids, or cancer treatment — are less able to fight off infection. In this instance, they’re more likely to develop an E. coli infection.
•Seasons. E. coli infections are most prominent during the summer, specifically June through September. Researchers are unsure why this is so.
•Stomach acid levels. If you’re taking medication to decrease stomach acid, you may be susceptible to this infection. Stomach acids help provide some protection against infection.
•Eating raw foods. Drinking or eating raw, unpasteurized products can increase the risk of contracting an E. coli infection. Heat kills bacteria, which is why eating raw foods puts you more at risk.
An onset of symptoms may begin 1 to 10 days after exposure. Symptoms can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Although they vary from one person to the next, the most common symptoms include:
•abdominal cramps
•nausea
•vomiting
•diarrhea
If you have a more severe E. coli infection, you may experience:
There’s no vaccine to prevent you from contracting an E. coli infection. Instead, you can help prevent spreading this bacteria through lifestyle changes and best practices:
•Cook meats thoroughly (especially ground beef) to help eliminate unhealthy bacteria. Meat should be cooked until it reaches 160ºF (71ºC).
•Wash raw produce to remove dirt and any bacteria hanging onto leafy vegetables.
•Thoroughly wash utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with soap and hot water to avoid cross contamination.
•Keep raw foods and cooked foods separate. Always use different plates or wash them completely before reuse.
•Maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, cooking or handling food, before and after meals, and after coming in contact with animals.
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THE "BLUE MOON" OF RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS: ESCHERICHIA COLI PNEUMONIA. TOPIC: Chest Infections. TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports. INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli (E.coli), a common aero-anaerobic commensal intestinal bacterium, is the most common Enterobacteriaceae involved in hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator ...
- Subha Saeed, Sruthi Samala, Rajagopalan Rengan
- 2021
Oct 1, 2022 · Signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection usually begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. But you may become ill as soon as one day after exposure to more than a week later. Signs and symptoms include: Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody. Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a serotype of the bacterial species Escherichia coli and is one of the Shiga-like toxin–producing types of E. coli. It is a cause of disease, typically foodborne illness, through consumption of contaminated and raw food, including raw milk and undercooked ground beef.
Oct 1, 2022 · For illness caused by E. coli, no current treatments can cure the infection, relieve symptoms or prevent complications. For most people, treatment includes: Rest. Fluids to help prevent dehydration and fatigue. Avoid taking an anti-diarrheal medication — this slows your digestive system down, preventing your body from getting rid of the toxins.
