Introduction:
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a common and diverse group of bacteria found in food, the environment, and the intestines of humans and certain warm-blooded animals. E. coli gets a bad reputation, but in fact, most strains of E. coli are harmless and some strains are essential to health, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). E. coli produces vitamin K and vitamin B12, keeping the gut a haven for other beneficial bacteria.
What Is Escherichia Coli Infection?
Escherichia coli infection occurs primarily through consuming contaminated foods such as raw or undercooked ground meat, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts.
Infection with Escherichia coli bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea. It can also cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia (lung inflammation), meningitis (inflammation of the brain), bacteremia (blood infection with a bacterial origin), or sepsis (a dangerous systemic reaction to bacteremia). Some infections can cause severe health problems, especially in extremely young or very old people or those with weakened immune systems. Some versions of E. coli can make a person sick by producing a toxin called shiga, which damages the lining of the intestine. A strain of E. coli that produces the toxin is sometimes called STEC, which stands for shiga-toxin-producing E. coli bacteria. This bacteria is also a leading cause of urinary tract infections in women.
What Are the Causes of Escherichia Coli Infection?
Infection with Escherichia coli can occur due to any of the reasons listed below:
1. Ingestion of Bacteria - Even a small amount of E. coli can cause infection if swallowed. Some common ways of ingestion of the bacteria are listed below:
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Eating uncooked meat.
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Consuming untreated milk.
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Eating vegetables and fruits washed with contaminated water.
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Drinking contaminated water.
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Not washing hands properly after cleaning the baby.
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Not washing hands properly after petting animals.
2. Improper Personal Hygiene - Maximum number of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli bacteria. Not maintaining proper personal hygiene may lead to fecal E. coli bacteria contaminating the urinary tract area of women.
What Are the Symptoms of Escherichia Coli Infection?
The symptoms of Escherichia coli infections are listed below:
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Nausea.
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Severe stomach cramps.
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Diarrhea, can be severe and bloody.
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Fatigue.
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Vomiting.
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Fatigue and irritability.
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Pallor.
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Small, unexplained bruising.
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Confusion or seizures.
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Increased blood pressure.
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Swelling (face, hands, feet, body).
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Low-grade fever.
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Painful urination.
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Frequent urination.
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Blood in the urine (hematuria).
When to Get Help for Escherichia Coli Infection?
Seek immediate medical help in case of the following signs and symptoms:
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Seizure.
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Fainting.
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High fever.
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Excessive diarrhea.
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Vomiting.
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Inability to stand.
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Difficulty breathing.
How Is Escherichia Coli Infection Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of illness caused by E. coli infection is done by doctors sending a stool, urine, or blood sample to a laboratory to check for the presence of E. coli. Bacteria can be cultured to confirm the diagnosis and identify certain toxins, such as those produced by E. coli.
What Are the Treatment Options for Escherichia Coli Infection?
Treatment of E. coli infections may be done by doctors in the ways listed below:
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Rest - Getting proper rest.
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Water - Increased intake of water to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
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Medications - Avoid taking anti-diarrheal medicine as it slows the digestive system and prevents the body from getting rid of toxins.
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Antibiotics - Antibiotics may be used to relieve symptoms or prevent complications in some cases of E. coli infections like urinary tract infections. Antibiotics can increase the risk of serious complications in case of infection of the gastrointestinal tract and are unlikely to help treat infections. Therefore, it is generally not recommended.
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Intravenous Fluids - This may be given to cure dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
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Blood Transfusions - This may be given to cure blood infection and the buildup of toxins in the body.
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Kidney Dialysis - This may be given in case of kidney damage and failure.
What Are the Complications of Escherichia Coli Infection?
Most cases of E. coli infection are mild and do not pose a serious health risk. The infections usually heal on their own if proper rest is taken along with plenty of fluids. Some strains can cause serious symptoms and life-threatening complications, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. It can cause kidney failure and death.
How to Prevent Escherichia Coli Infection?
The prevention of E. coli infections can be done by ways listed below:
1. Hand Washing - One of the main way to prevent E. coli infections is washing hands regularly, especially in the following situations:
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Before preparing a meal
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Before preparing baby bottles and food for infants
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After using the toilet or changing diapers.
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After interacting with animals and pets.
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After handling raw meat.
2. Drink Clean Liquids - Drink plenty of clean fluids, such as water, soups, and juices. Avoid apple and pear juice, caffeine, and alcohol.
3. Avoid Certain Foods - Dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods, and spicy foods can make symptoms worse.
4. Eat Food from Hygenic Places - Food should only be consumed from places that are trusted and hygienic. Intake of stale food should be avoided at all costs.
5. Maintain Proper Personal Hygiene - To prevent urinary tract infections with E. coli bacteria, the following points should be followed:
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Keeping genitals clean and dry.
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Urinate regularly.
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Always empty bladder completely while urinating.
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Urinate after sexual intercourse to wash bacterial contamination on the urethra.
Conclusion
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally is found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli cause relatively short-lived diarrhea or are harmless. But some strains of this bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. E. coli can also infect the urinary tract of a person and can lead to severe urinary tract infections. In some cases, antibiotics may be given to cure this infection, but the gastrointestinal infection usually clears out on its own without any intervention. Intake of antidiarrheal medicine should be avoided. To prevent this infection, food hygiene should be maintained, and hands should be washed regularly when dealing with food. Maintaining personal hygiene prevents urinary tract infections caused by E. coli bacteria.
