Escherichia coli enteritis (patient information)

Escherichia coli enteritis

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Escherichia coli enteritis?

Prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.

## Overview

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Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria that cause an illness in humans called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Sometimes misnamed "stomach flu," gastroenteritis is not related to flu (influenza), a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.

E. coli enteritis is contagious. E. coli is usually found in contaminated food (e.g. meats and vegetables) or drinks (e.g. contaminated water, unpasteurized milk and juice), but they also can live on surfaces or be spread through contact with an infected person. Each year in the United States, more than 600 million E. coli infections result in an estimated 700,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

## What are the symptoms of Escherichia coli enteritis?

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Because there are so many types of E. coli, you can become infected and show symptoms many times. Symptoms usually develop within a few days (1-10 days) after you are infected with E. coli. It usually takes a 5-7 days before you are better. Symptoms of gastroenteritis caused by E. coli can include:

* Nausea
* Abdominal cramps
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Muscle aches

## What causes Escherichia coli enteritis?

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The main bacteria that cause gastroenteritis used to be called Escherichia coli (E. coli). Although there are strains of E. coli that normally inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract in all humans, the strains that cause enteritis are different from the strains that normally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract.

## Diagnosis

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Your health care provider can use laboratory tests to diagnose E.coli enteritis, but these tests are not used routinely. Usually, your healthcare provider will diagnose it by examining you and noting your symptoms.

## Treatment options

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The best treatments for E. coli enteritis are to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. To prevent dehydration (severe loss of body fluids), your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions about the type of fluids you should drink. Mineral water alone may not be enough for adequate rehydration. You may be advised by your physician to mix oral rehydration solution (ORS) with water or to prepare a home-made oral rehydration solution. If you cannot tolerate any fluid intake by mouth, consult with your physician if you need to visit the nearest hospital. You should not routinely take antibiotics for E. coli enteritis because they may occasionally worsen your symptoms and may lead to potentially-life threatening complications. If your infant or child has diarrhea, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately for treatment advice.

## Where to find medical care for Escherichia coli enteritis?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating E. coli infection

## Prevention

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To prevent E. coli enteritis you should:

* Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. This is especially important for food handlers and caregivers.
* Prepare fresh and frozen foods safely, including thoroughly washing fresh produce.
* Disinfect contaminated surfaces in your kitchen and bathrooms with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners to kill viruses resting on surfaces.
* Wash contaminated clothing, diapers, sheets, and towels promptly in hot water (above 160ºF / 70ºC) and/or with bleach.
* Choose wisely when eating or drinking outside your home. If you aren't sure whether the food or water is safe, avoid it.

In addition, you should not prepare food for others if you have E. coli enteritis. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect you from E. coli infections.