Escherichia coli Infection
En Español (Spanish Version)Escherichia coli
(
E. coli
) infection is caused by a bacteria. It is the leading cause of bloody diarrhea. This type of infection may need medical attention. Contact your doctor if you think you may have it.
This
infection is caused by some types of the
E. coli
bacterium. 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
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The following factors increase your chance of developing
E. coli
infection:
- Age: children and older people
- People with another illness
- Working with cattle
- Living in northern states
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
-
Stool culture—to find out if you have
E. coli
O157:H7 in your intestines
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Most people will get better in 5-10 days. They rarely need a specific treatment. Avoid medicine that stops diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Fluids through an IV line may be needed in cases of severe
dehydration
.
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:
- Pallor, tiredness, and irritability
- Small, unexplained bruises, or bleeding from the nose or mouth—caused by problems in the body’s clotting mechanism
Kidney Dialysis
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
If you are diagnosed with an
E. coli
infection, follow your doctor's
instructions
.
To help prevent
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 (eg, chlorine).
- Wash hands after bowel movements and after changing soiled diapers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Public Health Agency of Canada
Last Reviewed September 2011