E. coli
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause infections such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia and the family Enterobacteriaceae. Many strains of E. coli are normal members of the intestinal microbiota and help maintain a healthy digestive environment. However, certain pathogenic strains can cause disease by producing toxins or invading tissues. Disease-causing E. coli strains may lead to foodborne illness, severe diarrhea, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and neonatal meningitis. Some types, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can cause serious complications including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Transmission may occur through contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, or contact with infected individuals or animals.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines. Most E. coli bacteria are harmless and may even be helpful, but some types can cause sickness, including stomach infections, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.
• Full name: Escherichia coli • Gram-negative bacterium normally found in the intestines of humans and animals • Many strains are harmless and part of the normal gut microbiome • Some strains can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and serious illness • Pathogenic types include Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) • Can spread through contaminated food, water, poor hygiene, or contact with infected sources • Important cause of urinary tract infections worldwide • Widely used in laboratory research, genetics, and biotechnology • Prevention includes proper food handling, hand hygiene, and safe drinking water
E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, some types can make you sick and cause diarrhea. One type causes travelers' diarrhea. The worst type of E. coli causes bloody diarrhea, and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. These problems are most likely to occur in children and in adults with weak immune systems.
You can get E. coli infections by eating foods containing the bacteria. Symptoms of infection include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Watery or very bloody diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
To help avoid food poisoning and prevent infection, handle food safely. Cook meat well, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, and avoid unpasteurized milk and juices. You can also get the infection by swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste.
Most cases of E. coli infection get better without treatment in 5 to 10 days.
This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking E. coli affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the fact sheet, E. coli could increase the risk of inflammation in the reproductive tract and intestines, blockages in the fallopian tubes, or endometriosis, and it might also affect fertilization. These issues could make it harder to become pregnant. Anyone with concerns about fertility should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking E. coli increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that an E. coli infection in the stomach or urine likely does not directly cause miscarriage, but an E. coli infection in the uterus could increase the chance of miscarriage. Anyone who thinks they may have an E. coli infection should speak with a healthcare provider promptly for diagnosis and any needed treatment.
Does taking E. coli increase the risk of birth defects?
Birth defects can occur in any pregnancy, with a baseline rate of about 3 in 100 babies. The fact sheet states that no studies have been done to determine whether an E. coli infection increases the chance of birth defects. Specific concerns should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking E. coli during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet indicates that an E. coli infection in the vagina or uterus could increase the chance of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. With severe E. coli infection, there could also be an increased chance of bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, fetal death, or sepsis, and babies born with E. coli infections can be very ill. A healthcare provider can discuss individual risks and monitoring.
Can taking E. coli during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, no studies have been done to determine whether E. coli infection during pregnancy can cause behavior or learning problems in the child. Any questions about a child's development should be directed to a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking E. coli?
The fact sheet states that E. coli bacteria do not pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding can continue, and breast milk contains immune factors that may help protect the baby from infection. Because diarrhea and other symptoms can reduce milk supply, drinking plenty of fluids and thorough handwashing before holding or nursing the baby are recommended. If the baby develops diarrhea or other symptoms, the baby's healthcare provider should be contacted right away, and any breastfeeding questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
e-coli