E coli Bacterial Infection

E coli Bacterial Infection

E-coli bacteria is acronym to escherichia coli bacteria. It is the bacteria which is present normally in the gut of normal healthy humans and animals. Usually Most types of E-coli bacteria are harmless and doesn’t cause any diarrhea. However, some strains of this bacteria can upset stomach. Harmful strain of E-coli is E. coli O157:H7.

Symptoms

E-coli infection presents as:

• Mild to severe bloody diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Pain and tenderness of abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes

Certain strains of E. coli can lead to diarrhea. E-coli 0157:H7 strain produce powerful toxin that causes damage of lining of small intestine and lead to bloody diarrhea. Even small amount of this strain of E-coli can lead to symptomatic infection. Exposure to this strain of E-coli can occur through:

• Contaminated food
• Grounded meat like uncooked hamburger
• Unpasteurized milk or other dairy products.
• Personal contact

Complications

Sometimes this infection can be complicated into life-threatening type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include culture of bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Rest as much as possible
• Intake of fluid to prevent dehydration
• Anti-diarrheal medications are avoided
• Blood transfusion and kidney dialysis is required in case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney failure)