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Escherichia coli Infection
(E. coli Infection, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shiga Toxin)
Definition
Escherichia coli
(E. coli) infection is caused by a bacterium. It is the leading cause of bloody diarrhea.
Causes
This
infection is caused by some types of the
E. coli
bacteria. Most
E. coli
infections are caused by:
- Eating undercooked beef, especially ground beef
- Drinking contaminated water
- Drinking unpasteurized milk
- Working with cattle
Digestive Pathway Through Stomach and Intestines |
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Risk Factors
This condition is more common in children and older adults.
Other factors that increase your chances of an
E. coli
infection:
- Contact with people with another illness
- Working with cattle
- Living in northern states
Symptoms
Symptoms of
E. coli
infection include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Bright red, bloody stools
- Mild fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your waste material may be tested. This can be done with a stool culture.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Fluid Replacement and Monitoring
Most people will get better in 5-10 days. They rarely need a specific treatment. Avoid medication that stops diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Fluids through an IV line may be needed in cases of severe
dehydration
.
Treatment for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
HUS is a life-threatening condition. It occurs in some people with
E. coli
infection. HUS may need to be treated with
blood transfusions
and
kidney dialysis
.
Symptoms may include:
- Pale complexion, tiredness, and irritability
- Small, unexplained bruises, or bleeding from the nose or mouth—caused by problems in the body’s clotting mechanism
Hemodialysis |
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Prevention
To help reduce your chances of an
E. coli
infection:
- Cook all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly.
- Avoid eating undercooked hamburger or other ground beef.
- Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, counters, and utensils with hot soapy water after they are exposed to raw meat.
- Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, and cider.
- Wash fruits and vegetables under running water.
- Drink municipal water that has been treated with a disinfectant.
- Wash hands after bowel movements and after changing soiled diapers.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
https://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
https://www.niaid.nih.gov
https://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca
http://www.inspection.gc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
https://www.canada.ca
References
E. coli
infection. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
https://familydoctor.org/condition/e-coli-infection. Updated April 2014. Accessed December 8, 2017.
E. coli (Escherichia coli). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli.
Updated November 20, 2017. Accessed December 8, 2017.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116202/Hemolytic-uremic-syndrome-HUS
. Updated May 17, 2017. Accessed December 8, 2017.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 11/2018
- Update Date: 12/20/2014