Mention E. coli in a roomful of people, and you will see fear and concern on many faces. Public awareness of this lowly bacterium has risen dramatically in the last few years. This interest springs from E. coli outbreaks that have happened too frequently around the globe. In 2006, an E. coli outbreak originated when baby spinach sickened 204 people in 26 states and involved three deaths. An episode in Scotland killed seven people and infected several hundred others. What makes it so alarming is its invisibility, since E. coli has no offending taste or smell. Also, the contaminated food doesn’t give any hint to the eye that it has been tainted and can even look wholesome, such as that bagged baby spinach.

What is E. coli?

E. coli (Escherichia coli) are named after a German pediatrician and bacteriologist, Theodor Escherich, who discovered it in 1885. Coli are a reference to bacteria which grows in the colon, and there are many different types of E. coli. Harmless E. coli is present in the intestines of people and animals. However, three strains of the bacteria create potentially lethal toxins, 0157:H7, 0121, and 0104:H21. The bacteria are often used in experiments because they survive well outside the body, and they grow easily in a laboratory. In addition, their genetics are simple and easily manipulated.

How do you get E. coli?

E. coli infections usually originate from the following sources:

• Drinking water which is contaminated
• Drinking unpasteurized milk, apple juice, or apple cider
• Eating ground beef that’s undercooked
• Working around cattle
• Person to person contact often in day care centers or nursing homes
• Swimming in contaminated water

Fever, feeling nauseous, and vomiting are some of the symptoms related to E. coli

Ground beef should always be cooked thoroughly and never contain any pink color inside where the bacteria can survive. People who are infected with E. coli are highly contagious and need to take precautions not to infect others.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection?

Symptoms of E.coli often start about seven days after the bacteria have entered your system. Suddenly, you may come down with severe abdominal cramps, followed in a few hours by watery diarrhea. Your body will become dehydrated from the loss of fluids. After a day, the watery diarrhea becomes bloody from sores in the intestine, and this may last from two to five days. There may be ten bowel movements a day, and people often say they consist mostly of blood. Along with these symptoms, you may run a slight fever, feel nauseous, and have vomiting. It is important to consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms because life-threatening complications can develop. Diagnosis can be made from a stool culture.

E. coli Treatment

Your body needs to rid itself of the invading bacteria naturally, so don’t take medicines to stop the diarrhea, unless your doctor has prescribed them. Drink a lot of water to keep hydrated and help flush the bacteria from your system. Antibiotics don’t often work against E. coli infections because some strains are resistant to them. Be alert to complications which can develop from an infection.

What are the complications of the E. coli infection?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common complication and is often found in children with E. coli. It can lead to acute renal failure. It usually begins about five to ten days after the start of the diarrhea. Patients develop a low red blood cell and platelet count, and kidney damage. The patient needs immediate medical care and hospitalization.

Prevention Measures againts E. Coli

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• Wash your hands after handling animals, or any material which may contain animal feces.
• Thoroughly cook ground beef, pork, sausage, and other meats to 155° F.
• Always keep raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross contamination
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk
• Thoroughly was fresh fruits and vegetables before eating
• Wash hands, cutting boards, counters, and utensils after contact with raw meat
• Don’t taste ground beef as you are cooking
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately or throw them away

Written by Joy Seeman,

© Hemorrhoid Information Center

Sources:

E. Coli. (2009, July 28). Retrieved January 27, 2010, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/e-coli/DS01007

E. Coli Infections. (2010, January 21). Retrieved January 27, 2010, from Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ecoliinfections.html