Characteristics:
Escherichia coli also known as E. coli is mostly harmless to the general public. E. coli naturally occurs in the intestine of animals and people and help contribute to intestinal health.
There are 100s of strains of E. coli, majority of them being good and helpful with keeping our system healthy, while others are considered to be pathogenic or illness causing. An example of a pathogenic E. coli would be Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC for short, this strain can be life threatening.
Even though there are different strains of E.coli they all share similar characteristics. E. coli is known to be a straight, rod shape also known as bacillus, with a size of 1-3 micrometer x 0.4-0.7 micrometer. E. coli can be arranged singly or in pairs and some strains can be motile thank to the presence of flagella while other strains are non-motile. E. coli is considered a gram (-) bacterium which means when stained under a microscope it will appear pink. Last E. coli can be aerobic. meaning it grows best in the presence of oxygen. However, it can also be facultative anaerobic meaning it can be grown in low oxygen environments.
Symptoms:
When infected with E. coli symptoms can start to appear between 3-9 days after consuming contaminated food.
General Symptoms:
Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Depending on the strain contracted some may experience...
Kidney failure
High blood pressure
Chronic kidney disease
Neurologic problems (nervous system problems)
Causes:
There are 3 main ways that you can contract E. coli
Eating contaminated food:
Ground Beef
Unpasteurized Milk
Drinking contaminated water:
Streams
Rivers
Lakes
Water used to irrigate crops
Private water wells
Personal contact:
E. coli can be spread through person to person contact if the individual who comes in contact with infected person doesn't wash their hands properly.
Risk Factors:
Age
People of any age can contract E. coli. However, young children and older adults are more susceptible to contracting E. coli due to their weakened digestive system.
Weakened immune system
Individuals whose immune system that has been affected from AIDS, drugs to treat cancer, and from drugs to prevent rejection from an organ transplant.
Eating certain types of foods
Individuals who eat undercooked beef, unpasteurized apple juice/ cider, and soft cheeses made from raw milk are all at high risk of contracting E. coli.
Time of year
There is always an increase of E. coli cases between the months of June- September due to the increased number of cookouts, and people not grilling the meat all the way through.
Medications that help decrease stomach acid
Nexium
Protonix
Prev acid
Prilosec
Prevention:
No vaccine / antibiotics
Researchers are investigating potential vaccines
Avoid risky foods
Cook beef all the way
Drink pasteurized milk, juice, or cider
Wash raw produce thoroughly
Avoid cross contamination
Wash utensils in-between uses
Keep raw foods separate (meats and veggies)
Wash your hands!
Diagnosis:
The doctor will request a stool sample to send to the lab to test for the E. coli bacteria.
Treatment:
Plenty of rest
Drinking lots of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration and fatigue
Avoid taking anti-diarrheal medications
This will slow down the digestive system and prevent the body from flushing out the toxins.
Serious E. coli infections can cause kidney failure
This can lead to an admission into the hospital, IV fluids, blood transfusions, and kidney dialysis
Avoid eating certain foods
You want to avoid eating dairy products, fatty foods, high fiber foods, and highly seasoned foods. This type of food can make the symptoms worse.
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