Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacterium that naturally inhabits the intestines of people and certain animals, with no signs of disease. However, there are certain types of E. Coli that are harmful to humans and enter the body due to the consumption of contaminated food, for example, causing gastroenteritis with severe diarrhea and mucus or blood.
In addition to causing intestinal infections, the onset of E. Coli can also cause a urinary tract infection, and it is important that it is identified by a specific microbiological examination of the urine so that treatment can begin.
- There are 4 types of E.
- Coli responsible for intestinal infections: enterotoxinogenic E.
- Coli.
- Enterovasive.
- Enteropathogenic and enterohemagenic.
- These types of E.
- Coli can be identified during a stool test requested by your doctor.
- Especially for children.
- Pregnant women.
- The elderly.
- Or people whose immune system is weakened such as those who are being treated for cancer or AIDS for example.
Intestinal symptoms of Escherichia coli infection usually appear 5 to 7 hours after contact with Escherichia coli infection. If you suspect you are infected with E. coli, perform the following test based on your symptoms:
In addition to gastrointestinal infections, Escherichia coli can also cause urinary tract infections, with the onset of typical symptoms of urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning when urinating, cloudy urine or strong odor, and it is important to see your doctor to recommend a urine test to identify bacteria. Recognizes the symptoms of Escherichia coli infection.
During pregnancy, women often have episodes of urinary tract infection, most often caused by Escherichia coli. During pregnancy, the bacteria can reach the urethra, where it proliferates and causes symptoms such as pain, burning and the urge to urinate.
Treatment of E. coli infection during pregnancy is always done with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, and it is recommended to drink plenty of water to promote the removal of bacteria from the urinary tract as soon as possible.
Transmission of this bacteria is through contaminated food or water, or through contact with the infected person’s faeces, and for this reason, it is easily transmitted mainly in children, school or day care.
Due to the easy transmission of this bacteria and the proximity between the anus and the vagina, E. coli can cause several diseases, such as:
In addition, when Escherichia coli infection is not treated properly, it is possible that this bacteria reaches the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a serious disease that is usually treated in hospitals.
Treatment of Escherichia coli infection is based on the sensitivity profile of this bacterium to antibiotics, which is reported by the antibiotic, and on the overall health of the person. When the person develops symptoms, especially in the case of a urinary tract infection, your doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, levofloxacin, and ampicillin.
In case of intestinal infection, the use of antibiotics is generally not recommended, since this situation tends to be resolved in a few days, being only recommended rest and consumption of fluids. Medications that catch the gut are not recommended as they can increase the severity of the disease, as bacteria are not eliminated by faeces.
Another good way to help regulate the gut is to take a probiotic like PB8, Simfort, Simcaps, Royal Kefir and Floratil, and can be found in pharmacies and grocery stores.
Prevention against E. coli contamination includes
In addition, it is also important to disinfect raw foods, soaking them completely submerged in 1 tablespoon of bleach per liter of drinking water and letting them rest for fifteen minutes before consuming them.