Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless and part of a healthy gut, some types can cause serious foodborne illness, urinary tract infections, and even life-threatening complications.
🔬 TYPES OF E. COLI (Strains)
| Type | Main Effects |
|---|---|
| Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) | Traveler’s diarrhea |
| Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) | Diarrhea in infants |
| Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) / STEC (Shiga-toxin) | Bloody diarrhea, may lead to HUS (e.g., E. coli O157:H7) |
| Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) | Invasive diarrhea (like Shigella) |
| Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) | Persistent diarrhea |
| Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) | Major cause of urinary tract infections |
| Meningitis-causing E. coli | Newborn meningitis (rare) |
🧫 HOW INFECTION HAPPENS
| Route | Source |
|---|---|
| Contaminated food | Undercooked beef, raw vegetables, unpasteurized milk or juice |
| Contaminated water | Lakes, pools, unsafe drinking water |
| Poor hygiene | Not washing hands, diaper changes |
| Person-to-person | Fecal-oral route, especially in daycare or nursing homes |
😷 COMMON SYMPTOMS
Symptoms typically appear 1–10 days after exposure, depending on strain.
| Infection Site | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal (GI) | Cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever |
| Urinary tract | Burning urination, frequent urge, cloudy/smelly urine, pelvic pain |
| Kidney (HUS) | Fatigue, low urine output, anemia, bruising, swelling (in severe cases) |
| Bloodstream (sepsis) | High fever, confusion, low BP (life-threatening in elderly or immunocompromised) |
⚠️ COMPLICATION: HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome)
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Caused by Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) like O157:H7
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Can lead to:
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Acute kidney failure
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Low platelet count
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Hemolytic anemia
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More common in children under 5 and elderly
🧪 DIAGNOSIS
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Stool culture | Detects E. coli strains and toxin presence |
| Urinalysis | For UTI diagnosis |
| Blood tests | To check for HUS (platelets, kidney function) |
| PCR or ELISA | For Shiga toxins (fast identification) |
💊 TREATMENTS
🔹 1. For Gastrointestinal Infections
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Hydration is critical: Oral rehydration or IV fluids
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Avoid antibiotics in suspected STEC (O157:H7) — may increase toxin release
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Avoid anti-diarrheal drugs (like loperamide) — can prolong infection
Most diarrheal infections resolve within 5–10 days without specific treatment.
🔹 2. For UTIs (Caused by UPEC)
| Antibiotic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nitrofurantoin | For uncomplicated UTIs |
| Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole | If no resistance |
| Fosfomycin | One-dose option |
| Ciprofloxacin | For more serious or recurrent UTIs |
Antibiotic resistance is increasing — urine culture helps guide proper therapy.
🔹 3. Severe or Complicated Infections
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Hospitalization for HUS or sepsis
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Dialysis if kidneys fail
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Blood transfusions if anemia is severe
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IV antibiotics for bloodstream infections (guided by sensitivity)
🛡️ PREVENTION TIPS
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Cook meat thoroughly (esp. ground beef > 160°F / 70°C)
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Wash fruits and vegetables
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Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized juices
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Handwashing after bathroom, diaper changes, handling food
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Drink clean, treated water
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Avoid swallowing water from lakes or pools
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