Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria species that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. More than 700 serotypes ofE. colihave been identified. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea, but a few strains can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Shiga toxin-producingE. coli (STEC) may also be referred to as verocytotoxin-producing E. coli(VTEC) or enterohemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC). STEC strains can cause serious illness in humans by producing toxins that can severely damage the lining of your intestines and kidneys. Infection with STEC strains can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which sometimes is fatal.
Non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producingE. coli Although E. coli O157:H7 is the most commonly identified type of STEC in the U.S., there are many other types ofshiga toxin-producing E. colithat cause illness in people, sometimes referred to as "non-O157 STEC."
More about STEC
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) Fact sheets and more information about one severe complication associated withshiga toxin-producing E. coliinfection, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
EnterotoxigenicE. coli(ETEC), which produce a different toxin, is a leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in the developing world.
EnteropathogenicE. coli(EPEC) cause persistent diarrhea (lasting 2 weeks or more). It spreads to humans through contaminated water or contact with infected animals and is common in developing countries.
Treatment for E. coli depends on what part of your body is infected and how serious your illness is. If you have diarrhoea and aren't very sick, you should keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You can drink oral rehydration solution, which you can buy at a pharmacy.
coli (EHEC). STEC strains can cause serious illness in humans by producing toxins that can severely damage the lining of your intestines and kidneys. Infection with STEC strains can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which sometimes is fatal.
E. coli is the most common pathogen leading to uncomplicated cystitis, and also results in other extraintestinal illnesses, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and abdominal infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Illness caused by E.
Most people are no longer infectious after about a week, although some people, particularly children, may carry E. coli O157 for several months after they have got better. Some people need to take special care before returning to work or school.
Take antidiarrheal drugs. Use medication such as loperamide (Imodium), though people who have a fever or bloody stools should not take these, nor should children younger than 2 years.
The first line of treatment for any bacterial infection is antibiotics. If your urinalysis comes back positive for germs, a doctor will likely prescribe one of several antibiotics that works to kill E. coli, since it's the most common UTI culprit.
coli infection who have diarrhea should be excluded until their diarrhea is gone. Students or staff with E. coli who do not have diarrhea or vomiting and do not handle food may remain in school if proper hygienic practices are maintained.
E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don't wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria live in the stool, so people should stay home from work, school or day care if they have diarrhea. Once their stools are solid, people can return to work or school.
Symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days. People with mild symptoms usually recover on their own without treatment. Antibiotics are not helpful for treating E. coli O157 infections, and may even increase the likelihood of developing HUS.
Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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