Pałeczka okrężnicy – Etiologia i przyczyny

Pałeczka okrężnicy
Etiologia i przyczyny

Escherichia coli to gram-ujemna bakteria, naturalnie kolonizująca jelita ludzi i zwierząt ciepłokrwistych, pełniąca istotne funkcje metaboliczne, takie jak synteza witamin K i B12. Patogenne szczepy E. coli, należące do rodziny Enterobacteriaceae i będące fakultatywnymi beztlenowcami, wywołują zakażenia przewodu pokarmowego i pozajelitowe. Wyróżnia się sześć głównych patotypów biegunek: EHEC/STEC (produkujące toksynę Shiga, np. O157:H7), ETEC, EPEC, EIEC, EAEC oraz DAEC. Szczep O157:H7 jest szczególnie niebezpieczny, wywołując krwawą biegunkę i zespół hemolityczno-mocznicowy (HUS) u 2-7% zakażonych, z ryzykiem niewydolności nerek i śmiertelności 5-10%. E. coli jest także głównym czynnikiem etiologicznym zakażeń układu moczowego (80-90% przypadków), a także może powodować zapalenie płuc, sepsę, zapalenie opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych (szczep K1 u noworodków) oraz infekcje jamy brzusznej. Patogenność opiera się na czynnikach wirulencji, takich jak toksyny (Shiga Stx1, Stx2, enterotoksyny), fimbrie umożliwiające adhezję oraz zdolność inwazji komórek nabłonkowych. Genom E. coli cechuje wysoka plastyczność, co sprzyja powstawaniu nowych szczepów i rozwojowi oporności na antybiotyki, w tym karbapenemazy.

Etiologia pałeczki okrężnicy (Escherichia coli)

Escherichia coli (pałeczka okrężnicy) to gram-ujemna bakteria, która normalnie występuje w jelitach ludzi i zwierząt ciepłokrwistych. Większość szczepów E. coli jest nieszkodliwa i stanowi naturalną część mikrobiomu jelitowego, pełniąc ważne funkcje w organizmie człowieka, takie jak produkcja witamin K i B12 oraz utrzymywanie przestrzeni ochronnej dla innych pożytecznych bakterii¹². Jednak niektóre szczepy nabyły geny wirulencji, które umożliwiają im wywoływanie zakażeń zarówno w obrębie przewodu pokarmowego, jak i poza nim³⁴.

E. coli należy do rodziny Enterobacteriaceae i jest fakultatywnym beztlenowcem, co oznacza, że może przetrwać w środowisku zarówno z dostępem do tlenu, jak i bez niego. W zależności od środowiska, bakteria ta może wytwarzać lub nie cienkie struktury podobne do włosków (rzęski lub fimbrie), które umożliwiają jej ruch i przyłączanie się do komórek ludzkich⁵. E. coli jest szeroko rozpowszechniona w środowisku, występując nie tylko w jelitach, ale także w glebie, na roślinach i w wodzie⁶.

Typy patogennych szczepów E. coli

Wśród różnych szczepów E. coli wyróżniamy sześć głównych patotypów, które mogą wywoływać biegunkowe zakażenia przewodu pokarmowego⁷⁸:

Enterokrwotoczne E. coli (EHEC/STEC) – produkują toksynę Shiga, która uszkadza komórki przewodu pokarmowego. Do tej grupy należy najbardziej znany szczep O157:H7, odpowiedzialny za wiele poważnych ognisk epidemicznych⁹¹⁰.
Enterotoksyczne E. coli (ETEC) – główna przyczyna biegunki podróżnych, wytwarzają toksyny, które zaburzają wchłanianie wody w jelitach¹¹¹².
Enteropatogenne E. coli (EPEC) – powodują wodnistą biegunkę, głównie u niemowląt i małych dzieci¹³.
Enteroinwazyjne E. coli (EIEC) – wywołują krwawą biegunkę i są pokrewne bakteriom z rodzaju Shigella¹⁴¹⁵.
Enteroagregacyjne E. coli (EAEC) – powodują przewlekłą i ostrą biegunkę bez gorączki i wymiotów¹⁶.
Dyfuzyjnie adherentne E. coli (DAEC) – kolejny patotyp odpowiedzialny za zakażenia przewodu pokarmowego¹⁷.

Szczególnie niebezpieczny jest szczep E. coli O157:H7, który produkuje toksynę Shiga i może powodować krwawą biegunkę, a w niektórych przypadkach prowadzić do poważnego powikłania zwanego zespołem hemolityczno-mocznicowym (HUS), zwłaszcza u dzieci i osób starszych¹⁸¹⁹.

Pozajelitowe zakażenia E. coli

Oprócz zakażeń przewodu pokarmowego, E. coli może wywoływać również zakażenia innych części ciała, zwłaszcza gdy wydostanie się poza jelito²⁰. Do najczęstszych pozajelitowych zakażeń należą:

Zakażenia układu moczowego (UTI) – E. coli jest najczęstszą przyczyną zakażeń układu moczowego, odpowiadając za około 80-90% wszystkich przypadków²¹²².
Zapalenie płuc – szczególnie w przypadkach zakażeń szpitalnych²³.
Bakteriemia i sepsa – gdy bakterie przedostaną się do krwiobiegu²⁴.
Zapalenie opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych – zwłaszcza u noworodków, gdzie szczep K1 jest główną przyczyną²⁵.
Infekcje jamy brzusznej – w tym zapalenie otrzewnej, zapalenie dróg żółciowych i zapalenie pęcherzyka żółciowego²⁶.

Zakażenia pozajelitowe spowodowane przez E. coli często wiążą się z translokacją bakterii jelitowych do innych części ciała lub z rozprzestrzenianiem się bakterii w środowisku szpitalnym²⁷.

Mechanizmy wirulencji pałeczki okrężnicy

Patogenne szczepy E. coli posiadają szereg czynników wirulencji, które umożliwiają im wywołanie choroby. Te czynniki wirulencji są często kodowane przez geny znajdujące się na elementach genetycznych takich jak plazmidy, bakteriofagi, transpozony i wyspy patogenności, które mogą być przenoszone między różnymi szczepami, tworząc nowe kombinacje czynników chorobotwórczych²⁸.

Toksyny E. coli

Jednym z głównych czynników wirulencji niektórych szczepów E. coli jest produkcja toksyn:

Toksyna Shiga (Stx) – produkowana przez EHEC/STEC, w tym O157:H7. Istnieją dwa główne rodzaje: Stx1 i Stx2. Toksyny te uszkadzają nabłonek jelita cienkiego, powodując krwawą biegunkę. Mogą również przedostawać się do krwiobiegu, prowadząc do uszkodzenia nerek, anemii i agregacji płytek krwi²⁹³⁰.
Enterotoksyny – produkowane przez ETEC, zaburzają absorpcję wody w jelitach, prowadząc do wodnistej biegunki³¹.

Szczep E. coli O157:H7 jest szczególnie niebezpieczny ze względu na produkcję silnej toksyny Shiga, która może uszkadzać wyściółkę jelita. W przeciwieństwie do wielu innych chorobotwórczych bakterii, E. coli O157:H7 może wywołać zakażenie nawet przy spożyciu niewielkiej liczby bakterii (10-100 organizmów)³²³³.

Adhezja i inwazja

Patogenne szczepy E. coli posiadają również struktury powierzchniowe, które umożliwiają im przyleganie do komórek gospodarza i kolonizację różnych tkanek:

Fimbrie (pili) – struktury powierzchniowe, które umożliwiają bakteriom przyleganie do komórek gospodarza, szczególnie istotne w zakażeniach układu moczowego³⁴³⁵.
Zdolność do inwazji – niektóre szczepy, zwłaszcza EIEC, mają zdolność wnikania do komórek nabłonkowych i ich niszczenia³⁶.

Bakterie E. coli mogą powodować choroby poprzez inwazję tkanek, produkcję różnych toksyn, przyleganie do tkanek oraz tworzenie agregatów lub skupisk bakterii³⁷.

Promiskuityzm genetyczny

E. coli charakteryzuje się dużą plastycznością genomu, co daje jej ogromną zdolność do ewolucji poprzez nabywanie i utratę genów. Jest opisywana jako „genetycznie promiskuitywna”, ponieważ może wymieniać geny z innymi szczepami E. coli, a nawet z innymi rodzajami bakterii³⁸³⁹. Ta zdolność do wymiany materiału genetycznego przyczynia się do powstawania nowych szczepów chorobotwórczych i rozwoju oporności na antybiotyki⁴⁰.

Drogi transmisji E. coli

Zakażenia E. coli rozprzestrzeniają się głównie drogą fekalno-oralną, co oznacza, że bakterie z kału zakażonych ludzi lub zwierząt dostają się do ust nowych gospodarzy⁴¹⁴². Najczęstsze drogi transmisji obejmują:

Zanieczyszczona żywność

Spożywanie zanieczyszczonej żywności jest najczęstszą przyczyną zakażeń E. coli⁴³. Do produktów wysokiego ryzyka należą:

Mięso mielone – szczególnie wołowina, która może zostać zanieczyszczona podczas uboju, gdy bakterie z jelit zwierząt mają kontakt z mięsem. Mięso mielone, które łączy mięso z różnych zwierząt, stanowi jeszcze większe ryzyko zanieczyszczenia⁴⁴⁴⁵.
Niepasteryzowane mleko i produkty mleczne – bakterie E. coli mogą znajdować się na wymieniu krowy lub w sprzęcie do dojenia⁴⁶⁴⁷.
Świeże owoce i warzywa – pola, na których uprawiane są świeże produkty, mogą zostać zanieczyszczone spływami z farm hodowlanych. Szczególnie podatne są szpinak, sałata, kiełki i inne warzywa liściaste⁴⁸⁴⁹.
Niepasteryzowane soki owocowe i cydr – szczególnie jabłkowe⁵⁰.

Bakterie E. coli mogą przetrwać w lodówce i zamrażarce, a nawet namnażać się w temperaturach już od 44 stopni F (około 6,7°C). Mogą jednak zostać zabite przez odpowiednie gotowanie mięsa⁵¹.

Zanieczyszczona woda

E. coli może rozprzestrzeniać się również przez wodę zanieczyszczoną odchodami ludzkimi lub zwierzęcymi⁵²:

Woda pitna – z nieodpowiednio oczyszczonych miejskich źródeł wody lub ze studni⁵³.
Woda rekreacyjna – jeziora, stawy, strumienie, baseny, zwłaszcza gdy dochodzi do przypadkowego połknięcia wody⁵⁴⁵⁵.

Kontakt między ludźmi

E. coli może rozprzestrzeniać się bezpośrednio od osoby do osoby, szczególnie gdy zakażona osoba nie myje dokładnie rąk po wypróżnieniu⁵⁶⁵⁷. Jest to częsty sposób rozprzestrzeniania się infekcji w:

Żłobkach i przedszkolach – wśród dzieci, które nie kontrolują jeszcze funkcji fizjologicznych⁵⁸.
Domach opieki – wśród osób starszych lub z obniżoną odpornością⁵⁹.

Kontakt ze zwierzętami

Zwierzęta gospodarskie, zwłaszcza bydło, są głównym rezerwuarem szczepów EHEC/STEC⁶⁰. Zakażenie może nastąpić poprzez:

Bezpośredni kontakt ze zwierzętami – na farmach, w ogrodach zoologicznych dla dzieci lub podczas targów⁶¹⁶².
Kontakt z odchodami zwierzęcymi – które mogą zawierać patogenne szczepy E. coli⁶³.

Osoby pracujące ze zwierzętami, zwłaszcza bydłem, kozami i owcami, mają zwiększone ryzyko zakażenia E. coli⁶⁴.

Czynniki ryzyka zakażeń E. coli

Choć na zakażenie E. coli narażony jest każdy, kto ma kontakt z patogennym szczepem, niektóre osoby są bardziej podatne na rozwinięcie ciężkiej postaci choroby⁶⁵⁶⁶.

Grupy podwyższonego ryzyka

Do grup o zwiększonym ryzyku ciężkiego przebiegu zakażenia E. coli należą:

Dzieci poniżej 5 roku życia – są bardziej podatne na rozwój zespołu hemolityczno-mocznicowego (HUS)⁶⁷⁶⁸.
Osoby powyżej 65 roku życia – z powodu osłabionego układu odpornościowego⁶⁹.
Osoby z obniżoną odpornością – na przykład pacjenci przyjmujący leki immunosupresyjne, osoby z chorobami nowotworowymi, HIV lub cukrzycą⁷⁰.
Osoby z obniżonym poziomem kwasu żołądkowego – co ułatwia bakteriom przetrwanie w przewodzie pokarmowym⁷¹.

Czynniki środowiskowe

Zakażenia E. coli wykazują pewne prawidłowości epidemiologiczne:

Sezonowość – w Stanach Zjednoczonych większość zakażeń występuje w miesiącach letnich (czerwiec-wrzesień)⁷².
Geografia – zakażenia E. coli O157:H7 są częstsze w północnych stanach USA⁷³.
Podróże – ETEC jest główną przyczyną biegunki podróżnych, zwłaszcza u osób z krajów rozwiniętych odwiedzających kraje rozwijające się⁷⁴.

Oporność na antybiotyki

Rosnącym problemem w leczeniu zakażeń E. coli jest rozwój oporności na antybiotyki. Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia zidentyfikowała E. coli jako jedną z bakterii opornych na leki, które stanowią największe zagrożenie dla zdrowia ludzkiego⁷⁵. Niektóre szczepy E. coli, jak np. oporne na karbapenemy E. coli (produkujące karbapenemazę), są oporne na karbapenemy – antybiotyki uważane za ostatnią linię obrony przed takimi zakażeniami⁷⁶.

Znaczenie kliniczne zakażeń E. coli

Zakażenia wywołane przez E. coli stanowią istotny problem zdrowia publicznego na całym świecie. Rokrocznie w Stanach Zjednoczonych dochodzi do około 265 000 zakażeń wywołanych przez szczepy E. coli produkujące toksynę Shiga (STEC)⁷⁷⁷⁸.

Powikłania zakażeń E. coli

Najpoważniejszym powikłaniem zakażenia szczepami STEC jest zespół hemolityczno-mocznicowy (HUS), który występuje u około 2-7% osób zakażonych E. coli O157:H7⁷⁹. HUS charakteryzuje się:

Niszczeniem czerwonych krwinek – prowadzącym do anemii⁸⁰.
Uszkodzeniem nerek – mogącym prowadzić do niewydolności nerek⁸¹.
Mikroangiopatią zakrzepową – tworzeniem się zakrzepów w najmniejszych naczyniach krwionośnych⁸².

HUS jest główną przyczyną ostrej niewydolności nerek u dzieci w Stanach Zjednoczonych, a większość przypadków HUS jest spowodowana przez E. coli O157:H7⁸³. Około 5-10% przypadków HUS kończy się śmiercią⁸⁴.

Inne możliwe powikłania zakażeń E. coli obejmują:

Sepsę – gdy bakterie przedostają się do krwiobiegu⁸⁵.
Niedożywienie – z powodu przewlekłej biegunki i braku wchłaniania składników odżywczych⁸⁶.
Uszkodzenie neurologiczne – w ciężkich przypadkach HUS⁸⁷.

Śmiertelność

Zakażenia E. coli mogą prowadzić do śmierci, zwłaszcza u osób z grup wysokiego ryzyka. Badania sugerują, że wskaźnik śmiertelności w przypadku zakażeń E. coli wynosi około 17%⁸⁸. W Stanach Zjednoczonych co roku odnotowuje się około 100 zgonów z powodu zakażeń E. coli⁸⁹.

Czynniki zwiększające ryzyko zgonu z powodu zakażenia E. coli obejmują:

Wiek (bardzo młody lub podeszły)⁹⁰
Rozwój HUS⁹¹
Opóźnione lub niewłaściwe leczenie⁹²

Nowe odkrycia w etiologii E. coli

Najnowsze badania rzucają nowe światło na rolę E. coli w patogenezie różnych chorób, w tym tych, które tradycyjnie nie były kojarzone z tą bakterią.

E. coli a choroba Parkinsona

Fascynującym obszarem badań jest potencjalny związek między E. coli w jelitach a chorobą Parkinsona. Naukowcy z Uniwersytetu Kalifornijskiego w Irvine odkryli, że odpady metaboliczne produkowane przez E. coli mogą powodować tworzenie się agregatów białka alfa-synukleiny, które są charakterystyczne dla choroby Parkinsona⁹³. Istnieją dowody na to, że te powodujące chorobę skupiska białka mogą przemieszczać się z jelit do mózgu wzdłuż nerwu błędnego⁹⁴. Ta koncepcja, że choroba typowo kojarzona z mózgiem może mieć swój początek w jelitach, otwiera nowe perspektywy zarówno dla zrozumienia, jak i potencjalnego leczenia choroby Parkinsona⁹⁵.

Genomika i ewolucja E. coli

Badania genomowe ujawniły, że struktura genomu patotypów E. coli wykazuje uderzający wzór mozaikowy, z 2000 genów obecnych w 247 wyspach w jednym patotypie, których nie ma w szczepie K-12. Z kolei do 0,53 MB DNA obecnego w K-12 może być nieobecne w patogennych szczepach E. coli⁹⁶. Ta wysoka plastyczność genomu umożliwia szybką ewolucję bakterii i powstawanie nowych szczepów chorobotwórczych⁹⁷.

Szczep E. coli O104:H4

W maju 2011 roku szczep E. coli O104:H4 był przyczyną ogniska epidemicznego, które rozpoczęło się w Niemczech⁹⁸. Ten szczep jest uważany za równie wirulentny jak O157:H7⁹⁹. Badanie tego i innych nowych szczepów pomaga naukowcom zrozumieć mechanizmy ewolucji patogenności E. coli.

Prace nad szczepionkami

Prowadzone są prace nad różnymi szczepionkami przeciwko E. coli, w tym:

Szczepionki przeciwko biegunce podróżnych – choć obecne wersje są skuteczne tylko przeciwko kilku określonym szczepom¹⁰⁰.
Spersonalizowane szczepionki oparte na grupie krwi – badania wykazały, że ciężkość objawów zakażenia E. coli jest związana z grupą krwi osoby¹⁰¹.
Szczepionki przeciwko zakażeniom układu moczowego – które skutecznie zmniejszały liczbę UTI u pacjentów¹⁰².
Szczepionki dla bydła – mające na celu zmniejszenie liczby E. coli O157:H7 w jelitach bydła i tym samym ograniczenie transmisji do ludzi¹⁰³.

Rozwój szczepionek ma na celu zmniejszenie liczby zakażeń i, ostatecznie, liczby zgonów, zwłaszcza wśród małych dzieci, spowodowanych powikłaniami związanymi z chorobami biegunkowymi¹⁰⁴.

Podsumowanie etiologii E. coli

Escherichia coli (pałeczka okrężnicy) jest wszechobecną bakterią, która w większości przypadków żyje w harmonii z organizmem człowieka, stanowiąc część naturalnej mikroflory jelitowej. Jednak niektóre szczepy nabyły geny wirulencji, które umożliwiają im wywoływanie chorób zarówno w obrębie przewodu pokarmowego, jak i poza nim¹⁰⁵.

Główne mechanizmy chorobotwórczości E. coli obejmują produkcję toksyn (zwłaszcza toksyny Shiga), zdolność do przylegania do komórek gospodarza oraz inwazji tkanek. Zakażenia rozprzestrzeniają się głównie drogą fekalno-oralną, poprzez zanieczyszczoną żywność, wodę, bezpośredni kontakt między ludźmi oraz kontakt ze zwierzętami¹⁰⁶.

Szczególnie niebezpieczny jest szczep E. coli O157:H7, który może wywołać krwawą biegunkę i zespół hemolityczno-mocznicowy, prowadzący potencjalnie do niewydolności nerek i śmierci, zwłaszcza u dzieci i osób starszych¹⁰⁷.

Lepsze zrozumienie etiologii i mechanizmów wirulencji E. coli pomaga w opracowywaniu nowych strategii zapobiegania i leczenia zakażeń, w tym szczepionek i alternatywnych metod terapeutycznych¹⁰⁸. Jednocześnie narastająca oporność na antybiotyki stanowi poważne wyzwanie, podkreślając potrzebę odpowiedzialnego stosowania antybiotyków i rozwoju nowych podejść terapeutycznych¹⁰⁹.

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 What Is an E. Coli Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
https://www.everydayhealth.com/e-coli/guide/
Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli, are a common and diverse group of bacteria found in food, the environment, and in the intestines of both people and certain warm-blooded animals. While E. coli has a bad reputation, the truth is that most strains of E. coli are actually harmless. And some strains are essential to good health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); E. coli produces vitamin K and vitamin B12, and maintains a protective space in your gut for other beneficial bacteria. Still, theres a reason that the public has a negative perception of the bacteria: Some strains of E. coli are pathogenic, which means that they can cause infections that leads to diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia, and more. […] Two more common types of E. coli that cause diarrheal illness are Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). A specific strain called E. coli O157 causes the outbreaks of E. coli STEC infections you may hear about in the United States. ETEC is the cause of diarrhea around the world and is the leading cause of travelers diarrhea.
#2 E. Coli Infections: MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/ecoliinfections.html
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. […] 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.
#3 Escherichia coli Infections – Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-negative-bacteria/escherichia-coli-infections
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a group of gram-negative bacteria that normally reside in the intestine of healthy people, but some strains can cause infection in the digestive tract, urinary tract, or many other parts of the body. […] Some strains of E. coli have acquired genes that enable them to cause infection. […] The most common infection caused by E. coli is urinary tract infection. […] In women, E. coli is the most common cause of bladder infection. […] Other infections that can result from E. coli include the following: digestive tract (causing gastroenteritis), infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gallbladder infection, infections that develop after appendicitis and diverticulitis, wound infections (including wounds made during surgery), infections in pressure sores, foot infections in people with diabetes, pneumonia, meningitis in newborns, bloodstream infections.
#4 Pathogenic Escherichia coli | Nature Reviews Microbiology
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro818
In addition to being an important member of the normal intestinal microflora of humans and other mammals, the species Escherichia coli contains many pathotypes that cause a variety of diseases. At least six different pathotypes cause enteric disease, such as diarrhoea or dysentery, and other pathotypes cause extra-intestinal infections, including urinary tract infections and meningitis. […] Virulence factors of E. coli can affect a wide range of eukaryotic cellular processes, including cell signalling, ion secretion, protein synthesis, mitosis, cytoskeletal function and mitochondrial function. […] Virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli are frequently encoded on genetic elements such as plasmids, bacteriophage, transposons and pathogenicity islands that can be mobilized into different strains to create novel combinations of virulence factors.
#5 E. coli Infection Meaning, Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.medicinenet.com/e_coli__0157h7/article.htm
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium (Enterobacteriaceae family) that can survive in an environment with or without air (facultative anaerobe) and, depending on the environment, may or may not produce thin hair-like structures (flagella or pili) that allow the bacteria to move and to attach to human cells. These bacteria commonly live in the intestines of people and warm-blood animals worldwide and do not cause problems. Some strains (serotypes) cause diseases that range from urinary tract infections to life-threatening, bloody diarrhea. It is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. […] E coli O157:H7 is the predominant serotype of E. coli that forms one group of EEC. This EEC group is termed enterohemorrhagic E. coli or EHEC. […] Research suggests that only a small number of E. coli 0157:H7 are needed to cause infection (ingestion of about 10100 organisms) instead of the thousands to millions needed for infections by other E. coli serotypes.
#6 Escherichia coli Infection – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564298/
E. coli is a gram-negative bacillus that is a causative organism of many diarrheal illnesses, including travelers diarrhea and dysentery. E. coli is the most common pathogen leading to uncomplicated cystitis, and also results in other extraintestinal illnesses, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and abdominal infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. […] E. coli is part of commensal intestinal flora and is also found on the floors of hospitals and long-term care facilities. E. coli is the most common gram-negative bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract and lacks virulence in this setting. However, when found outside of the intestinal tract, E. coli can cause urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia, bacteremia, and peritonitis, among others. […] E. coli is a major cause of nosocomial infections, including catheter-associated UTIs and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). E. coli can also be found in soil, on vegetables, and in water, as well as in undercooked meats. Pathogenic strains cause intestinal illness in humans when ingested.
#7 Kinds of E. coli | E. coli infection | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/kinds-of-ecoli.html
Six kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea. […] But some E. coli can make people sick, including six kinds that cause diarrhea. […] People can get infected with these E. coli in several ways. […] All six kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea. […] Some kinds can cause bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, or both. […] Some of these E. coli can cause other symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. […] STEC infection is the most common cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). […] ETEC infection is the leading cause of travelers’ diarrhea.
#8 E. coli – Pathogenic | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/e-coli-pathogenic
Escherichia coli includes over a hundred different serotypes belonging to the group of gram-negative bacteria. Most serotypes are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. […] Six major categories of Escherichia coli strains cause diarrhea: Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, (STEC) including Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Enterotoxigenic (individual cases are not reportable), Enteroinvasive (individual cases are not reportable), Enteropathogenic (individual cases are not reportable), Intestinal E. coli infection-Other enteroaggregative E. coli and diffuse-adherent E. coli (individual cases are not reportable). […] Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) include O157:H7, O26, O111, O103, O45, and O121. EHEC produce potent cytotoxins called Shiga toxin 1 and 2. […] Enterotoxigenic (ETEC) category includes E. coli O6,08,O15, O020, O25, O27, O49, O63, O78, O128ac, O148, O153, O159, 167, and O169. This category of E. coli is a major cause of travelers diarrhea in people from industrialized countries who visit developing countries.
#9 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is also known as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). It makes you sick by producing a toxin called Shiga. This toxin damages the lining of your intestine. It’s often found in ground beef (contaminated during processing and not cooked enough), unpasteurized milk, and in vegetables fertilized with manure containing EHEC/STEC. […] You can become infected when you swallow even a small amount of E. coli bacteria. […] You eat ground meat that carries E. coli, and the meat isn’t cooked enough to kill the bacteria. […] You drink unpasteurized milk, which hasn’t been heated to kill bacteria. E. coli can get into the milk from the cows udder or from milking equipment. […] You eat fresh vegetables or fruit that’s been tainted by water that has the bacteria. This happens most often when manure from nearby animals mixes with the water supply.
#10 Escherichia coli Infection – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564298/
Intestinal illness caused by E. coli is caused by one of five subtypes, and they are identified according to their O and H antigens. […] EHEC/STEC produces Shiga-toxin and includes serotypes O157:H7, as well as others. EHEC/STEC has been responsible for large diarrheal outbreaks after ingesting contaminated produce (e.g., spinach, sprouts, lettuce, fruit) and undercooked beef. […] Extraintestinal illness caused by E. coli results from a translocation of gut bacteria into other parts of the body or the environmental spread in hospitals and long term care facilities. E. coli is the predominant gram-negative bacteria to cause extraintestinal illness in humans and can cause urinary tract infection, abdominal and pelvic infection, pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, among others.
#11 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
There are several strains (types) of E. coli. Here are six that can cause illness in the intestines. […] Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes watery diarrhea and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This is the type most responsible for traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes watery diarrhea mostly in children and babies and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This can cause outbreaks in nurseries or day care centers. […] Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) causes persistent and acute diarrhea without fever and vomiting. It’s found in developing countries and developed countries. It’s also a source of traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is related to shigella bacteria and usually comes from eating contaminated vegetables, hamburger meat that’s undercooked, or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. It can cause bloody and mucus-filled stools, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever, and chills.
#12 What Is E. coli? | Northwestern Medicine
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/What-Is-E-coli
Several forms can cause infection, though, and some types of E. coli make a toxin called Shiga toxin. These Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are referred to as STEC. […] Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria create toxins that interact with the intestines and lead to diarrhea. Transmitted by food or water contaminated with animal or human feces, ETEC is the leading cause of travelers diarrhea as well as a major cause of diarrheal disease in lower-income countries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). […] Most people will recognize E. coli as a cause of diarrhea related to eating contaminated food or drinks, says Michael P. Angarone, DO, Northwestern Medical Group, Infectious Disease. Typically, the diarrhea caused by E. coli is watery and lasts for 1 to 2 days.
#13 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
There are several strains (types) of E. coli. Here are six that can cause illness in the intestines. […] Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes watery diarrhea and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This is the type most responsible for traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes watery diarrhea mostly in children and babies and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This can cause outbreaks in nurseries or day care centers. […] Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) causes persistent and acute diarrhea without fever and vomiting. It’s found in developing countries and developed countries. It’s also a source of traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is related to shigella bacteria and usually comes from eating contaminated vegetables, hamburger meat that’s undercooked, or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. It can cause bloody and mucus-filled stools, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever, and chills.
#14 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
There are several strains (types) of E. coli. Here are six that can cause illness in the intestines. […] Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes watery diarrhea and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This is the type most responsible for traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes watery diarrhea mostly in children and babies and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This can cause outbreaks in nurseries or day care centers. […] Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) causes persistent and acute diarrhea without fever and vomiting. It’s found in developing countries and developed countries. It’s also a source of traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is related to shigella bacteria and usually comes from eating contaminated vegetables, hamburger meat that’s undercooked, or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. It can cause bloody and mucus-filled stools, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever, and chills.
#15 E. coli – Pathogenic | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/e-coli-pathogenic
Enteroinvasive (EIEC) category includes O28ac, O29, O112, O124, O0136, O143, O144, O152, O164, and O167. The inflammatory disease of the gut mucosa and submucosa caused by EIEC strains of E. coli closely resembles that produced by Shigella. […] Enteropathogenic (EPEC) category includes O55:NM, O55:H6, O55:H7, O86:NM, O86:H34, O111:NM, O111:H2, O111:H12, O111:H21, O114:NM, O127:H6, O127:H9, O127:H21, O128:H2, O128:H7, O128:H12, O142:H6, and O157:H45. Diarrheal disease in this category almost always occurs in children aged less than one year. […] Intestinal E. coli infection Other Enteroaggregative (EAEC) category includes O3:H2 and O44:H18. This category of diarrhea-producing E. coli is increasingly recognized as a cause of both acute and persistent diarrhea among children and adults. […] Only cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are reportable in Iowa. Individual cases of other types of E. coli do not require public health investigation. However, all outbreaks of any type of E. coli are reportable to IDPH.
#16 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
There are several strains (types) of E. coli. Here are six that can cause illness in the intestines. […] Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes watery diarrhea and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This is the type most responsible for traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes watery diarrhea mostly in children and babies and is often found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. This can cause outbreaks in nurseries or day care centers. […] Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) causes persistent and acute diarrhea without fever and vomiting. It’s found in developing countries and developed countries. It’s also a source of traveler’s diarrhea. […] Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is related to shigella bacteria and usually comes from eating contaminated vegetables, hamburger meat that’s undercooked, or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk. It can cause bloody and mucus-filled stools, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever, and chills.
#17 E. coli – Pathogenic | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/e-coli-pathogenic
Escherichia coli includes over a hundred different serotypes belonging to the group of gram-negative bacteria. Most serotypes are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. […] Six major categories of Escherichia coli strains cause diarrhea: Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, (STEC) including Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Enterotoxigenic (individual cases are not reportable), Enteroinvasive (individual cases are not reportable), Enteropathogenic (individual cases are not reportable), Intestinal E. coli infection-Other enteroaggregative E. coli and diffuse-adherent E. coli (individual cases are not reportable). […] Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) include O157:H7, O26, O111, O103, O45, and O121. EHEC produce potent cytotoxins called Shiga toxin 1 and 2. […] Enterotoxigenic (ETEC) category includes E. coli O6,08,O15, O020, O25, O27, O49, O63, O78, O128ac, O148, O153, O159, 167, and O169. This category of E. coli is a major cause of travelers diarrhea in people from industrialized countries who visit developing countries.
#18 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#19 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#20 Escherichia coli (E coli) Infections: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/217485-overview
Escherichia coli (E coli) are facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacteria that are part of the normal gastrointestinal system. […] These organisms mainly are found within the large intestine and frequently are implicated as causes of bacterial infections. These infections can stem from disruption of the gut mucosal membrane leading to local tissue invasion and potential distant tissue seeding through bacteremia. […] Common infections with E coli as a pathogen include cholecystitis, bacteremia, cholangitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), traveler’s diarrhea, pneumonia, and neonatal meningitis. […] E coli intra-abdominal infections often result from damage to the gut mucosal barrier. […] This leads to localized infections (eg, diverticulitis, appendicitis) or geographically distant infections (transient splanchnic vein bacteremia leading to pyogenic liver abscesses).
#21 E. Coli and UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections): The Common Connection
https://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-uti
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by the E. coli bacteria, which are treated with antibiotics. […] A UTI occurs when germs (bacteria) invade the urinary tract. […] UTIs can have different causes, one of which is a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). About 80% of UTI cases are caused by this microorganism. […] For the most part, E. coli lives harmlessly in your gut. But it can cause problems if it enters your urinary system, usually from stool that migrates into the urethra. […] Because E. coli is a bacteria, treatment usually involves antibiotics. However, antibiotic resistance can sometimes make treatment difficult. […] This is important because bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Resistance occurs as bacteria naturally change to break down or avoid the antibiotics typically used to fight them.
#22 Urinary tract infections (UTI) | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/urinary-tract-infections-uti
A urinary tract infection is caused by micro-organisms, usually a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). […] The most common germ causing urinary tract infections is found in your digestive system, Escherichia coli (E.coli). E.coli can easily spread to the urethra and stick to the lining of your urinary system. […] Bacteria do not normally live in the urinary tract. When bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, they can cause a UTI.
#23 E. coli infection – symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/e-coli-infection
E. coli (Escherichia coli) are a group of bacteria that are found in the gut of nearly all people and animals. […] Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious illness. Some cause no illness at all. […] The bacteria can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning, or more serious illnesses like pneumonia. […] E. coli infection can be spread through contact with contaminated food or water, or by contact with people who are sick. […] You can reduce your chance of E. coli infection by avoiding risky foods and practising good hygiene. […] There are many different strains of E. coli. Some cause no illness or minor illness. Others can cause serious illness. […] Some strains of E. coli cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis in newborn babies, and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
#24 Escherichia coli (E coli) Infections: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/217485-overview
E coli enteric infections are molecularly and clinically identified through their pathogenicity mechanisms. […] In total, there are 6 different distinct mechanisms for which E coli can be differentiated enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC), Shiga toxin-producing E coli (STEC), enteropathogenic E coli (EPEC), enteroinvasive E coli (EIEC), enteroaggregative E coli (EAEC), and diffusely adherent E coli (DAEC). […] E coli is the leading cause of both community-acquired and nosocomial UTI. […] The urinary tract is the most common site of E coli infection, and more than 90% of all uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E coli infection. […] E coli causes a wide range of UTIs, including uncomplicated urethritis cystitis, symptomatic cystitis, pyelonephritis, acute prostatitis, prostatic abscess, and sepsis from an ascending urinary tract infection. […] E coli bacteremia usually is associated with UTIs, especially in cases of urinary tract obstruction of any cause. […] E coli is a leading cause of nosocomial bacteremia from a GI or genitourinary source.
#25
https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/causes-old/e-coli-meningitis
E. coli is an important cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns and babies under three months globally. […] E. coli meningitis is caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). […] A strain known as E. coli K1 is the leading cause of E. coli meningitis in newborn babies worldwide. […] E. coli meningitis happens when the bacteria invade the body and enter the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. […] E. coli was estimated to be the third largest cause of bacterial meningitis in babies under one month of age in 2021, responsible for over 12% of bacterial meningitis deaths in this age group worldwide. […] E. coli are commonly found living in the intestines and vagina. […] Although rare, E. coli can cause meningitis in older infants, children and adults.
#26 Escherichia coli (E coli) Infections: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/217485-overview
Escherichia coli (E coli) are facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacteria that are part of the normal gastrointestinal system. […] These organisms mainly are found within the large intestine and frequently are implicated as causes of bacterial infections. These infections can stem from disruption of the gut mucosal membrane leading to local tissue invasion and potential distant tissue seeding through bacteremia. […] Common infections with E coli as a pathogen include cholecystitis, bacteremia, cholangitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), traveler’s diarrhea, pneumonia, and neonatal meningitis. […] E coli intra-abdominal infections often result from damage to the gut mucosal barrier. […] This leads to localized infections (eg, diverticulitis, appendicitis) or geographically distant infections (transient splanchnic vein bacteremia leading to pyogenic liver abscesses).
#27 Escherichia coli Infection – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564298/
Intestinal illness caused by E. coli is caused by one of five subtypes, and they are identified according to their O and H antigens. […] EHEC/STEC produces Shiga-toxin and includes serotypes O157:H7, as well as others. EHEC/STEC has been responsible for large diarrheal outbreaks after ingesting contaminated produce (e.g., spinach, sprouts, lettuce, fruit) and undercooked beef. […] Extraintestinal illness caused by E. coli results from a translocation of gut bacteria into other parts of the body or the environmental spread in hospitals and long term care facilities. E. coli is the predominant gram-negative bacteria to cause extraintestinal illness in humans and can cause urinary tract infection, abdominal and pelvic infection, pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, among others.
#28 Pathogenic Escherichia coli | Nature Reviews Microbiology
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro818
In addition to being an important member of the normal intestinal microflora of humans and other mammals, the species Escherichia coli contains many pathotypes that cause a variety of diseases. At least six different pathotypes cause enteric disease, such as diarrhoea or dysentery, and other pathotypes cause extra-intestinal infections, including urinary tract infections and meningitis. […] Virulence factors of E. coli can affect a wide range of eukaryotic cellular processes, including cell signalling, ion secretion, protein synthesis, mitosis, cytoskeletal function and mitochondrial function. […] Virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli are frequently encoded on genetic elements such as plasmids, bacteriophage, transposons and pathogenicity islands that can be mobilized into different strains to create novel combinations of virulence factors.
#29 E. coli Infection: Signs, Symptoms, Contagious, Treatments & Causes
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/e_coli_escherichia_coli_0157h7_e_coli_0157h7/article_em.htm
The bacteria can produce two types of toxins, termed Shiga (Stx 1 and Stx 2, also termed Vero toxins) toxins. These toxins (for example, E. coli and Shiga toxin) are almost identical to the toxins produced by Shigella spp. and are capable of killing human intestinal cells by disrupting their protein synthesis. When the cells die, intestinal function is disrupted and intestinal bleeding can occur. The toxins and the damage that occurs to the intestines can lead to kidney damage, anemia, platelet aggregation, and death. […] The CDC suggests that E. coli 0157:H7 strain is most likely responsible for the majority of „E. coli” outbreaks in the US. […] E. coli 0157:H7 is of specific interest to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and physicians around the world because strains of this bacterium can be particularly virulent (deadly), even in relatively healthy individuals. Scientists have estimated that only about 10-100 organisms when ingested can cause disease. Most other E. coli need about 10,000 to over a million organisms to produce disease. […] These other E. coli serotypes produce essentially the same type of disease as 0157:H7 and are diagnosed and treated in the same manner. For all practical purposes, 0157:H7 represents all the other EHEC serotypes.
#30 FAQ: E. Coli: Good, Bad, & Deadly – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562895/
The big difference between the good and the bad E. coli strains is all in their DNA. […] Pathogenic E. coli cause illness by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. There are several ways that E. coli can do this, and different strains of E. coli may possess one or more of these traits. […] Pathogenic E. coli cause illness by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. Diarrheal symptoms result when E. coli cause cells in the intestine to absorb less water, or release water into the intestine. There are several ways that E. coli can disrupt intestinal function, and different strains of E. coli may possess one or more of these traits. Some produce toxins, which are biological poisons that can either be secreted into our bodies, even entering the bloodstream, or injected directly into intestinal cells.
#31 FAQ: E. Coli: Good, Bad, & Deadly – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562895/
The big difference between the good and the bad E. coli strains is all in their DNA. […] Pathogenic E. coli cause illness by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. There are several ways that E. coli can do this, and different strains of E. coli may possess one or more of these traits. […] Pathogenic E. coli cause illness by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. Diarrheal symptoms result when E. coli cause cells in the intestine to absorb less water, or release water into the intestine. There are several ways that E. coli can disrupt intestinal function, and different strains of E. coli may possess one or more of these traits. Some produce toxins, which are biological poisons that can either be secreted into our bodies, even entering the bloodstream, or injected directly into intestinal cells.
#32 E. coli Infection: Signs, Symptoms, Contagious, Treatments & Causes
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/e_coli_escherichia_coli_0157h7_e_coli_0157h7/article_em.htm
The bacteria can produce two types of toxins, termed Shiga (Stx 1 and Stx 2, also termed Vero toxins) toxins. These toxins (for example, E. coli and Shiga toxin) are almost identical to the toxins produced by Shigella spp. and are capable of killing human intestinal cells by disrupting their protein synthesis. When the cells die, intestinal function is disrupted and intestinal bleeding can occur. The toxins and the damage that occurs to the intestines can lead to kidney damage, anemia, platelet aggregation, and death. […] The CDC suggests that E. coli 0157:H7 strain is most likely responsible for the majority of „E. coli” outbreaks in the US. […] E. coli 0157:H7 is of specific interest to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and physicians around the world because strains of this bacterium can be particularly virulent (deadly), even in relatively healthy individuals. Scientists have estimated that only about 10-100 organisms when ingested can cause disease. Most other E. coli need about 10,000 to over a million organisms to produce disease. […] These other E. coli serotypes produce essentially the same type of disease as 0157:H7 and are diagnosed and treated in the same manner. For all practical purposes, 0157:H7 represents all the other EHEC serotypes.
#33 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. But a few strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. […] You may be exposed to E. coli from contaminated water or food especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. […] Only a few strains of E. coli trigger diarrhea. The E. coli O157:H7 strain belongs to a group of E. coli that produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can cause bloody diarrhea. You develop an E. coli infection when you ingest this strain of bacteria. […] Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. Because of this, you can be sickened by E. coli from eating a slightly undercooked hamburger or from swallowing a mouthful of contaminated pool water.
#34 E. coli Infection Meaning, Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.medicinenet.com/e_coli__0157h7/article.htm
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium (Enterobacteriaceae family) that can survive in an environment with or without air (facultative anaerobe) and, depending on the environment, may or may not produce thin hair-like structures (flagella or pili) that allow the bacteria to move and to attach to human cells. These bacteria commonly live in the intestines of people and warm-blood animals worldwide and do not cause problems. Some strains (serotypes) cause diseases that range from urinary tract infections to life-threatening, bloody diarrhea. It is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. […] E coli O157:H7 is the predominant serotype of E. coli that forms one group of EEC. This EEC group is termed enterohemorrhagic E. coli or EHEC. […] Research suggests that only a small number of E. coli 0157:H7 are needed to cause infection (ingestion of about 10100 organisms) instead of the thousands to millions needed for infections by other E. coli serotypes.
#35 Pediatric Escherichia Coli Infections Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/970451-clinical
Symptoms of Escherichia coli infection may be subtle and nonspecific in infants and young children. […] ETEC is the primary cause of traveler’s diarrhea and the major cause of infantile diarrhea in less affluent countries. ETEC is widespread in areas with poor sanitation and is a ubiquitous contaminant of food and water sources. […] EHEC is an emerging cause of food-borne illness, particularly in the northern United States and Canada. […] Cattle are the primary reservoir of the EHEC strains that produce diarrhea in humans. […] E coli is the most commonly isolated pathogen in pediatric UTIs. Virulence factors, such as pili, contribute to the pathogenicity of UTIs. […] E coli infection in neonates may manifest as bacteremia, sepsis, UTI, or meningitis; it rarely manifests as pneumonia, soft tissue, or bone infection.
#36 E. coli Infection: Signs, Symptoms, Contagious, Treatments & Causes
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/e_coli_escherichia_coli_0157h7_e_coli_0157h7/article_em.htm
E. Coli is gram-negative bacteria found worldwide. Many subtypes of this bacterial species cause a wide variety of diseases in humans. The bacteria can be transmitted person-to-person and by contaminated food and water. […] E. coli causes disease by invading tissues, by producing various toxins, by adhering to tissues, and by forming aggregates or clumps of bacteria. […] As mentioned previously, only a small number (10-100) of organisms are required to cause disease in humans. Therefore, healthy people can become infected even if the contaminated food contains only a low number of E. coli 0157:H7. Almost all other EEC E. coli strains require a much higher number (thousands to millions) of ingested organisms to cause disease. Researchers have suggested several reasons why E. coli 0157:H7 is so aggressive.
#37 E. coli Infection: Signs, Symptoms, Contagious, Treatments & Causes
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/e_coli_escherichia_coli_0157h7_e_coli_0157h7/article_em.htm
E. Coli is gram-negative bacteria found worldwide. Many subtypes of this bacterial species cause a wide variety of diseases in humans. The bacteria can be transmitted person-to-person and by contaminated food and water. […] E. coli causes disease by invading tissues, by producing various toxins, by adhering to tissues, and by forming aggregates or clumps of bacteria. […] As mentioned previously, only a small number (10-100) of organisms are required to cause disease in humans. Therefore, healthy people can become infected even if the contaminated food contains only a low number of E. coli 0157:H7. Almost all other EEC E. coli strains require a much higher number (thousands to millions) of ingested organisms to cause disease. Researchers have suggested several reasons why E. coli 0157:H7 is so aggressive.
#38 FAQ: E. Coli: Good, Bad, & Deadly – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562895/
E. coli is genetically promiscuous. It can exchange genes with other strains of E. coli and even other types of bacteria. […] This may seem flippant or disgusting, but it is quite accurate. Because E. coli lives in the gut, transmission of E. coli from one organism to another is predominantly from feces to mouth. The source of E. coli in almost all food and water contamination events can be traced back to exposure to fecal matter at some point in the food chain; whether it is on the farm, at the processing plant, in transportation, during retail, at the restaurant, or even during preparation in our homes. […] There are two ways to protect food from contamination with pathogenic E. coli: prevent bacteria from getting into food in the first place or treat food products in such a way as to kill or inactivate any bacteria that have slipped past all precautions.
#39 The Diversity of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and Vaccination Strategies against This Versatile Bacterial Pathogen
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/344
E. coli is one of the most genetically versatile microorganisms and can colonize and persist in primary (bird/animal/human host-associated) and secondary (open or non-host-associated) habitats. The high plasticity of the genome of this bacterial species gives it a tremendous capacity to evolve due to the gain and loss of genes through genetic changes, leading to the emergence of pathogenic strains from the commensal strains. […] The accumulating genomic sequence data has led to an increased understanding of E. coli virulence factors and mechanisms underlying species diversification and the tracking of foodborne disease outbreaks. […] The emergence of antibiotic resistance might be multifactorial, but it is largely believed to be caused mainly by human activity and increased antibiotic usage for human health, animal health and food production. […] The development of novel therapeutic approaches will continue to be essential. In addition, alternative sustainable preventive strategies such as vaccination can help in limiting the increase of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
#40 The Diversity of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and Vaccination Strategies against This Versatile Bacterial Pathogen
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/344
E. coli is one of the most genetically versatile microorganisms and can colonize and persist in primary (bird/animal/human host-associated) and secondary (open or non-host-associated) habitats. The high plasticity of the genome of this bacterial species gives it a tremendous capacity to evolve due to the gain and loss of genes through genetic changes, leading to the emergence of pathogenic strains from the commensal strains. […] The accumulating genomic sequence data has led to an increased understanding of E. coli virulence factors and mechanisms underlying species diversification and the tracking of foodborne disease outbreaks. […] The emergence of antibiotic resistance might be multifactorial, but it is largely believed to be caused mainly by human activity and increased antibiotic usage for human health, animal health and food production. […] The development of novel therapeutic approaches will continue to be essential. In addition, alternative sustainable preventive strategies such as vaccination can help in limiting the increase of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
#41 FAQ: E. Coli: Good, Bad, & Deadly – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562895/
E. coli is genetically promiscuous. It can exchange genes with other strains of E. coli and even other types of bacteria. […] This may seem flippant or disgusting, but it is quite accurate. Because E. coli lives in the gut, transmission of E. coli from one organism to another is predominantly from feces to mouth. The source of E. coli in almost all food and water contamination events can be traced back to exposure to fecal matter at some point in the food chain; whether it is on the farm, at the processing plant, in transportation, during retail, at the restaurant, or even during preparation in our homes. […] There are two ways to protect food from contamination with pathogenic E. coli: prevent bacteria from getting into food in the first place or treat food products in such a way as to kill or inactivate any bacteria that have slipped past all precautions.
#42 How Do You Get E. coli? Understand Causes & Prevention – BuzzRx
https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/how-do-you-get-e-coli
Diarrheal E. coli infections spread through fecal-oral transmission (from feces to the mouth) by eating contaminated food such as raw fruits, vegetables, and undercooked meat. […] E. Coli can also spread through drinking contaminated water, such as water from swimming pools, rivers, streams, and lakes, or drinking unpasteurized beverages and dairy products, such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and juices. […] Touching contaminated surfaces or feces (poop), for example, when wiping after a bowel movement, changing a babyâs diaper, or touching contaminated surfaces, can transfer bacteria from your hands to your mouth and GI tract. […] The main way E. coli spreads is through consuming contaminated foods and contaminated water and beverages.
#43 Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Infectious Diseases
https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/infectious-diseases/bacterial-infections/e-coli-infection
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is bacteria that live in your intestines and helps with food digestion. These bacteria can also live in the intestines of some animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some types can cause intestinal illness. […] Intestinal illness most commonly occurs due to a type of E. coli that makes a toxin (Shiga). Shiga toxin damages your small intestine lining. […] You can become infected with E. coli by eating or drinking contaminated food or liquids, or from contact with other infected people or animals. The most common causes of E. coli infection include: […] Eating contaminated food is the most common way to get an E. coli infection. Foods that may contain E. coli include ground beef (especially undercooked meat); unpasteurized milk or juices; vegetables, fruit and cheeses made from raw milk.
#44 E. Coli: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Southern Iowa Mental Health Center
https://simhcottumwa.org/e-coli-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment/
Every year, an estimated 265,000 people in the U.S. suffer from infections caused by a type of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […] Most people who get E. coli infections are infected by organisms they carry in their gastrointestinal tracts. E. coli can also be present and transmitted by contaminated food and water. Certain strains of E. coli spread this way can cause food-borne illness, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. […] The Mayo Clinic says the primary route of E. coli transmission is consumption of contaminated food, including: Ground beef: During the slaughter and processing of cattle, E. coli bacteria from their intestines can come into contact with the meat. Ground beef, which combines meat from various animals, poses an even greater risk of contamination. Unpasteurized milk: E. coli bacteria present on a cow’s udder or milking equipment can find their way into raw milk, potentially causing infection if consumed. Fresh produce: Fields where fresh produce grows can become contaminated by runoff from cattle farms. Certain vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, are particularly susceptible to this type of contamination.
#45
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw133795
E. coli (Escherichia coli) is the name of a germ, or bacterium, that lives in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless. But some can cause bloody diarrhea. Some strains of E. coli may also cause severe anemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death. Other strains can cause other infections. […] You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with human or animal feces. This can happen when you drink water or eat food that’s contaminated by feces. […] You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces, or stool, of humans or animals. This can happen when you drink water or eat food that’s contaminated by feces. […] E. coli can get into meat during processing. If the infected meat isn’t cooked to 71 C (160 F), the bacteria can survive and infect you when you eat the meat. Other foods that can be infected with E. coli include raw milk or dairy products and raw fruits and vegetables.
#46 E. Coli: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Southern Iowa Mental Health Center
https://simhcottumwa.org/e-coli-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment/
Every year, an estimated 265,000 people in the U.S. suffer from infections caused by a type of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […] Most people who get E. coli infections are infected by organisms they carry in their gastrointestinal tracts. E. coli can also be present and transmitted by contaminated food and water. Certain strains of E. coli spread this way can cause food-borne illness, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. […] The Mayo Clinic says the primary route of E. coli transmission is consumption of contaminated food, including: Ground beef: During the slaughter and processing of cattle, E. coli bacteria from their intestines can come into contact with the meat. Ground beef, which combines meat from various animals, poses an even greater risk of contamination. Unpasteurized milk: E. coli bacteria present on a cow’s udder or milking equipment can find their way into raw milk, potentially causing infection if consumed. Fresh produce: Fields where fresh produce grows can become contaminated by runoff from cattle farms. Certain vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, are particularly susceptible to this type of contamination.
#47 Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Infectious Diseases
https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/infectious-diseases/bacterial-infections/e-coli-infection
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is bacteria that live in your intestines and helps with food digestion. These bacteria can also live in the intestines of some animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some types can cause intestinal illness. […] Intestinal illness most commonly occurs due to a type of E. coli that makes a toxin (Shiga). Shiga toxin damages your small intestine lining. […] You can become infected with E. coli by eating or drinking contaminated food or liquids, or from contact with other infected people or animals. The most common causes of E. coli infection include: […] Eating contaminated food is the most common way to get an E. coli infection. Foods that may contain E. coli include ground beef (especially undercooked meat); unpasteurized milk or juices; vegetables, fruit and cheeses made from raw milk.
#48 E. Coli: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Southern Iowa Mental Health Center
https://simhcottumwa.org/e-coli-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment/
Every year, an estimated 265,000 people in the U.S. suffer from infections caused by a type of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […] Most people who get E. coli infections are infected by organisms they carry in their gastrointestinal tracts. E. coli can also be present and transmitted by contaminated food and water. Certain strains of E. coli spread this way can cause food-borne illness, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. […] The Mayo Clinic says the primary route of E. coli transmission is consumption of contaminated food, including: Ground beef: During the slaughter and processing of cattle, E. coli bacteria from their intestines can come into contact with the meat. Ground beef, which combines meat from various animals, poses an even greater risk of contamination. Unpasteurized milk: E. coli bacteria present on a cow’s udder or milking equipment can find their way into raw milk, potentially causing infection if consumed. Fresh produce: Fields where fresh produce grows can become contaminated by runoff from cattle farms. Certain vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, are particularly susceptible to this type of contamination.
#49 E. coli infection: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68511
Swallowing contaminated food: Possible sources include undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, juice, cider, or cheese, alfalfa sprouts or raw vegetables. […] Infected people who work in restaurants and do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet can spread the infection to customers and other members of staff. […] Person-to-person contact: Good hand hygiene is important in stopping the spread of infection. […] Contact with animals: Bacteria can spread in farms, petting zoos, and fairs.
#50 E. coli Infection | Escherichia coli Infection – Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment, Risk Factors & Prevention
https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/e-coli-infection.htm
This can be due to contaminated municipal water supplies or public water spaces such as wells lakes, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, water park fountains, hot tubs and swimming pools. […] An undercooked hamburger or ground meat that carries E. coli is a frequent source of infection. […] E. coli can get into the milk from the cows udder or from the milking equipment. […] This happens when manure from animals mixes with the supply of water and contaminates the vegetables, especially spinach, alfalfa sprouts and lettuce. […] You might also get E. coli from unpasteurized fruit juices, cheese and yogurt made from raw milk.
#51 What Is an E. Coli Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
https://www.everydayhealth.com/e-coli/guide/
E. coli bacteria not only survive in the refrigerator and the freezer, they can multiply at temperatures as low as 44 degrees F. But the bacteria can be killed if the meat is cooked properly and thoroughly. For ground beef, that means an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer. […] E. coli is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. STEC is behind an estimated 265,000 infections each year in the United States. Approximately 36 percent of these cases are due to O157. […] While the root cause of an outbreak can vary, some of the main culprits include water runoff containing infected cattle manure, which can contaminate crops, meat that becomes infected with feces during the slaughtering process, contaminated farm equipment, crops that are contaminated because farmers haven’t washed their hands, and mass handling of bags of lettuce and spinach.
#52 Causes of E. coli (Escherichia coli) infection – Canada.ca
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/e-coli/causes-e-coli.html
E. coli infection is caused by E. coli bacteria. […] Both animals and people can be carriers of E. coli. This means they can be infected with the bacteria and can spread it to others without showing signs of illness. […] Water can become contaminated with the bacteria when feces from infected people or animals, including carriers, enter the water supply. […] Food can become contaminated with E. coli in many ways. Some of the most common ways include: during the processing of raw meat, when food is handled by a person infected with E. coli, during the growing or harvesting of fruits and vegetables, when raw food is handled improperly, which can lead to cross-contamination.
#53 E. coli infection: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68511
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of warm-blooded organisms. […] Most strains of E. coli are not harmful but are part of the healthful bacterial flora in the human gut. However, some types can cause illness in humans, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes vomiting. […] E. coli O157:H7 is one of the strains, and produces a toxin known as Shiga. It is one of the most powerful toxins, and it can cause an intestinal infection. […] Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some produce a toxin that makes humans sick. […] The group of E. coli that includes 0157:H7 produces a potent toxin called Shiga. This toxin can harm the lining of the small intestine. […] Humans can become infected by: […] Swallowing contaminated water: Tap water in the US is treated and contains chlorine, but some E. coli outbreaks have been caused by contaminated municipal water supplies.
#54 E. Coli Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Risks & More
https://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-infection
Poor sanitation can lead to the presence of bacteria from human or animal waste in water. You may ingest E. coli from drinking contaminated water or by swimming in it. […] E. coli can transmit to others when a person carrying the bacteria doesnt wash their hands after having a bowel movement. […] People who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, have an increased risk of E. coli infection.
#55 How Bacteria Makes You Sick: Health Implications of E. coli Infection
https://krakensense.com/blog/health-effects-of-e-coli
Pathogenic E. coli can also taint lakes and swimming pools, so accidentally swallowing or exposing open wounds to contaminated water can cause illness. […] Additionally, E. coli infection can occur with direct exposure to animals or their environments, such as petting zoos. […] A UPEC infection occurs when E. coli enters the urinary tract, usually through fecal matter. […] This can occur during sex and from wiping back to front after using the washroom, as these can cause E. coli to travel from the anus to the urethra. […] Anyone can contract a STEC infection. […] However, individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms. […] UPEC infections are also very common; 80-90% of all UTIs are caused by E. coli. […] E. coli bacterial culture. […] Although there is no medical treatment for STEC infections, most go away on their own. […] Conversely, the gold standard treatment for a UTI is a short course of antibiotics.
#56
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/e-coli
Person-to-person contact is an important mode of transmission through the oral-faecal route. […] The prevention of infection requires control measures at all stages of the food chain, from agricultural production on the farm to processing, manufacturing and preparation of foods in both commercial establishments and household kitchens. […] The only effective method of eliminating STEC from foods is to introduce a bactericidal treatment, such as heating (for example, cooking or pasteurization) or irradiation.
#57 E. coli enteritis Information | Mount Sinai – New York
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/e-coli-enteritis
E coli enteritis is swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine from Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria. It is the most common cause of travelers’ diarrhea. […] E coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Most of the time, it does not cause any problems. However, certain types (or strains) of E coli can cause food poisoning. One strain (E coli O157:H7) can cause a severe case of food poisoning. […] Although not common, E coli can be spread from one person to another. This may happen when someone does not wash their hands after a bowel movement and then touches other objects or someone else’s hands.
#58 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#59 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#60 E. coli – Pathogenic | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/e-coli-pathogenic
Infection with pathogenic E. coli may present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. […] EHEC: Cattle appear to be a reservoir of significant public health importance; however, other animals, such as deer, are also known to carry EHEC. In addition, humans serve as a reservoir. […] ETEC: Humans; although also occurs in animals people are the reservoir for strains causing diarrhea in humans. […] EIEC and EPEC: humans. […] STEC and ETEC transmission occurs fecal-orally via contaminated food, drinking water or recreational water. […] EIEC: Scant available evidence suggests that it is transmitted by contaminated food. […] EPEC transmission has occurred through contaminated infant formula and weaning foods. […] The incubation ranges from 2 – 10 days with a median of 3 – 4 days.
#61 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#62 Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Infectious Diseases
https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/infectious-diseases/bacterial-infections/e-coli-infection
Swallowing water contaminated with E. coli from animals or humans can cause an infection. You may find contaminated water in lakes, rivers, streams, wells and local water supplies. […] You can pass along E. coli bacteria on your hands if you touch feces after having a bowel movement, change a diaper or touch the hands of someone who is infected. You may also become infected at a petting zoo or from farm animals.
#63 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) – Epidemiology
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/shiga-toxin-producing-escherichia-coli-stec/
Escherichia coli (also called E. coli) are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals such as cows. Most strains of the E. coli bacteria do not cause illness. However, strains that produce toxins can lead to illness. The most common type of toxin-producing E. coli is referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). E. coli O157:H7 is the most common type of STEC, but other types exist. […] STEC has been associated with people eating contaminated products, such as undercooked ground beef, raw produce (e.g., sprouts, lettuce, and spinach), or raw dough or batter, or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk or juice. […] Animal-to-human spread can occur by touching contaminated surfaces or animals (e.g., at agricultural fairs, petting zoos, or farm visits) and then putting hands in the mouth.
#64 E. Coli Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Risks & More
https://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-infection
Poor sanitation can lead to the presence of bacteria from human or animal waste in water. You may ingest E. coli from drinking contaminated water or by swimming in it. […] E. coli can transmit to others when a person carrying the bacteria doesnt wash their hands after having a bowel movement. […] People who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, have an increased risk of E. coli infection.
#65 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#66 E. coli: Infection, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16638-e-coli-infection
STEC is a strain of E. coli that releases a toxin (Shiga toxin) that damages your cells. […] STEC is known for causing severe outbreaks of E. coli (where many people get sick), often from contaminated food. […] Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is a type of E. coli that causes infections known as travelers diarrhea. […] Most diarrheagenic E. coli strains spread through fecal-oral transmission. […] You can get E. coli from eating contaminated foods. […] Yes, E. coli can be contagious (spread from person to person). […] Anyone who comes into contact with a disease-causing strain of E. coli can get infected. […] E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). […] Studies suggest the mortality (death) rate for E. coli infections is around 17%. […] E. coli infections can be deadly.
#67 Escherichia coli : symptoms, treatment, prevention – Institut Pasteur
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/medical-center/disease-sheets/enterohemorrhagic-escherichia-coli-ehec
The people most at risk from enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections are children, especially very young children under the age of five. They are more susceptible than others to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which causes the most severe forms of infection. […] Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli live in the digestive tract of ruminants. When the animals are slaughtered or milked, contaminated fecal matter can find its way into milk or carcasses. The main foods contaminated with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli are therefore: minced beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk, raw milk cheese, vegetables that have not been carefully peeled or washed, flour-based products. […] Severe enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections require hospital treatment. The loss of red blood cells (anemia) is treated with blood transfusions and kidney failure is treated with dialysis. Most antibiotics are not recommended: as they destroy the bacteria, they may worsen hemolytic uremic syndrome by releasing greater quantities of toxin.
#68 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#69 E. Coli Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/infections-and-contagious-diseases/e-coli
E. coli can also be present on peopleâs hands and in the following: animals â including cows, goats, and sheep â and their living areas, feces of people with the infection, raw fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and sprouts, soft cheeses from raw milk, soil, unpasteurized milk and juice, bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, streams, and swimming pools. […] In the U.S., the average personâs risk of getting an E. coli infection is very low. About 265,000 people in the U.S. get an E. coli infection with STEC each year. This is significantly less than 1% of the population. Serious cases are rare. […] Those at highest risk of an E. coli infection include: adults older than 65 years of age, children younger than 5 years of age, people with weakened immune systems, such as those taking immunosuppressant drugs and those with cancer, HIV, or diabetes.
#70 E. Coli Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/infections-and-contagious-diseases/e-coli
E. coli can also be present on peopleâs hands and in the following: animals â including cows, goats, and sheep â and their living areas, feces of people with the infection, raw fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and sprouts, soft cheeses from raw milk, soil, unpasteurized milk and juice, bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, streams, and swimming pools. […] In the U.S., the average personâs risk of getting an E. coli infection is very low. About 265,000 people in the U.S. get an E. coli infection with STEC each year. This is significantly less than 1% of the population. Serious cases are rare. […] Those at highest risk of an E. coli infection include: adults older than 65 years of age, children younger than 5 years of age, people with weakened immune systems, such as those taking immunosuppressant drugs and those with cancer, HIV, or diabetes.
#71 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#72 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
You might also get E. coli from unpasteurized fruit juices and yogurt and cheese made from raw milk. […] You swallow water that contains E. coli, perhaps while swimming in a pool, lake, or pond. […] E. coli O157 is found naturally in the intestines of healthy farm animals like cows, sheep, and goats. […] Eighty percent to 90% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. coli bacteria, says the National Kidney Foundation. […] Yes, it can spread from person to person. […] The most common symptoms are abdominal cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, nausea, and constant fatigue. […] Some people are more at risk for getting an E. coli infection than others. […] Another risk factor is time of year. E. coli infections in the U.S. happen most often in the summer months (June-September).
#73 Pediatric Escherichia Coli Infections Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/970451-clinical
Symptoms of Escherichia coli infection may be subtle and nonspecific in infants and young children. […] ETEC is the primary cause of traveler’s diarrhea and the major cause of infantile diarrhea in less affluent countries. ETEC is widespread in areas with poor sanitation and is a ubiquitous contaminant of food and water sources. […] EHEC is an emerging cause of food-borne illness, particularly in the northern United States and Canada. […] Cattle are the primary reservoir of the EHEC strains that produce diarrhea in humans. […] E coli is the most commonly isolated pathogen in pediatric UTIs. Virulence factors, such as pili, contribute to the pathogenicity of UTIs. […] E coli infection in neonates may manifest as bacteremia, sepsis, UTI, or meningitis; it rarely manifests as pneumonia, soft tissue, or bone infection.
#74 E. coli – Pathogenic | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/e-coli-pathogenic
This category of E. coli is a major cause of travelers diarrhea in people from industrialized countries who visit developing countries. […] EPEC: The oldest recognized category of diarrhea-producing E. coli, implicated in outbreaks in the 1940s and 1950s. Diarrheal disease in this category is virtually confined to children aged less than one year. […] EAEC: This category of diarrhea-producing E. coli is increasingly recognized as a cause of both acute and persistent diarrhea among children and adults.
#75
https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/causes-old/e-coli-meningitis
Most cases of E. coli meningitis occur in babies under three months of age because they have underdeveloped immune systems. […] E. coli meningitis must always be treated urgently with antibiotics. […] There is currently no vaccine available to prevent E. coli meningitis. […] The development of vaccines that protect newborns from E. coli is challenging, but there are vaccines in the pipeline. […] E. coli meningitis is caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically live in the intestines and vagina. […] Some strains of E. coli are now resistant to several widely-used antibiotic treatments. […] The World Health Organization has identified E. coli as one of the drug-resistant bacteria that are most threatening to human health.
#76 Escherichia coli – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escherichia_coli
Some studies have demonstrated an absence of E. coli in the gut flora of subjects with the metabolic disorder Phenylketonuria. […] Carbapenem-resistant E. coli (carbapenemase-producing E. coli) that are resistant to the carbapenem class of antibiotics, considered the drugs of last resort for such infections.
#77 What Is an E. Coli Infection? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
https://www.everydayhealth.com/e-coli/guide/
E. coli bacteria not only survive in the refrigerator and the freezer, they can multiply at temperatures as low as 44 degrees F. But the bacteria can be killed if the meat is cooked properly and thoroughly. For ground beef, that means an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer. […] E. coli is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. STEC is behind an estimated 265,000 infections each year in the United States. Approximately 36 percent of these cases are due to O157. […] While the root cause of an outbreak can vary, some of the main culprits include water runoff containing infected cattle manure, which can contaminate crops, meat that becomes infected with feces during the slaughtering process, contaminated farm equipment, crops that are contaminated because farmers haven’t washed their hands, and mass handling of bags of lettuce and spinach.
#78 E. Coli: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.healthday.com/a-to-z-health/infectious-disease/e-coli-infections-648064.html
Every year, an estimated 265,000 people in the U.S. suffer from infections caused by a type of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […] Most people who get E. coli infections are infected by organisms they carry in their gastrointestinal tracts. E. coli can also be present and transmitted by contaminated food and water. Certain strains of E. coli spread this way can cause food-borne illness, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. […] E. coli is also a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the University of California, San Francisco. UTIs, also known as bladder infections or cystitis, occur when bacteria, primarily E. coli, enter the bladder through the urethra, where they multiply.
#79 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#80 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#81 E. Coli Infection From Food or Water | Cigna
https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/hw/medical-topics/e-coli-infection-from-food-or-water-hw133795
The bacteria can also spread from one person to another. This most often happens when an infected person doesn’t wash their hands well after a bowel movement. […] With some strains of E. coli, severe blood and kidney problems may occur within 2 weeks after the diarrhea starts. These problems can cause kidney failure and sometimes long-term disability or death in some children and older adults. […] If your doctor suspects an E. coli infection, they will order a type of stool test that detects strains of E. coli. […] Some types of E. coli can be treated with antibiotics. […] In some people, the infection causes serious problems with the blood and kidneys. These people may need blood transfusions or dialysis.
#82 Infection caused by Escherichia coli | Vall d’Hebron
https://hospital.vallhebron.com/en/healthcare/diseases/infection-caused-escherichia-coli
The Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is one of the most common causes of human illness. […] By little known mechanisms it episodically causes disease in humans, either due to mutations that make it resistant to our bodys control mechanisms, or because it is present in places it should not normally be, such as the urinary tract or in the blood itself. […] E. coli infections cover a range of severities, from a urinary tract infection which causes urinary discomfort, to infections from very aggressive strains such as the O157 strain: H7 causes Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS). […] A urinary infection caused by E. coli is the most common infection caused by the bacteria. […] In the case of HUS, a rare condition as previously stated, the E. coli bacteria causes bloody diarrhoea and blood clotting in the smallest veins (thrombotic microangiopathy).
#83
#84 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#85 Intestinal E. Coli Infections | Sepsis Alliance
https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/intestinal-e-coli-infections/
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria that are all around you. Most strains of E. coli are harmless but some strains can make you very sick and can cause sepsis. […] The type of E. coli infection we may be most familiar with is often referred to as travelers diarrhea. This type of infection is caused by the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) bacteria. These bacteria produce substances that are toxic (poisonous) to intestinal cells. […] Contaminated ground beef is one of the most common causes of E. coli infection. […] E. coli infection can lead to sepsis, so it is important to watch for the signs and symptoms of sepsis, particularly among seniors. […] There is no treatment for E. coli infection yet. […] If you have contracted travelers diarrhea, your doctor may recommend that you do take anti-diarrhea medications for a short period or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). In some instances, doctors treat the infection with antibiotics.
#86 E. coli Bacteria Infection: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/what-is-e-coli
The only way your doctor can know for sure if you have an E. coli infection is to send a sample of your stool to a lab to be analyzed. […] Healthy people infected with E. coli usually feel better within a week. But some people have a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which affects the kidneys. […] E. coli can also cause sepsis or malnutrition (lack of absorption of nutrients due to chronic diarrhea). […] One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family against E. coli is to wash your hands. […] Most types of E. coli bacteria aren’t dangerous, but a few are harmful. The EHEC/STEC type is responsible for most E. coli infections that cause diarrhea in people.
#87 E. coli – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058
Potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. […] The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as ground beef. […] E. coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children don’t wash their hands properly. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are especially likely to get it themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. […] E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include age, weakened immune systems, eating certain types of food, time of year, and decreased stomach acid levels. […] Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people particularly young children and older adults may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
#88 E. coli: Infection, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16638-e-coli-infection
STEC is a strain of E. coli that releases a toxin (Shiga toxin) that damages your cells. […] STEC is known for causing severe outbreaks of E. coli (where many people get sick), often from contaminated food. […] Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is a type of E. coli that causes infections known as travelers diarrhea. […] Most diarrheagenic E. coli strains spread through fecal-oral transmission. […] You can get E. coli from eating contaminated foods. […] Yes, E. coli can be contagious (spread from person to person). […] Anyone who comes into contact with a disease-causing strain of E. coli can get infected. […] E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). […] Studies suggest the mortality (death) rate for E. coli infections is around 17%. […] E. coli infections can be deadly.
#89 E. Coli: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Southern Iowa Mental Health Center
https://simhcottumwa.org/e-coli-what-it-is-causes-symptoms-treatment/
E. coli is also a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the University of California, San Francisco. UTIs, also known as bladder infections or cystitis, occur when bacteria, primarily E. coli, enter the bladder through the urethra, where they multiply. […] E. coli infections have the potential to be fatal. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says about 100 deaths a year in the United States a year are due to E. coli infections. […] While many E. coli infections result in mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort and resolve without major complications, it is essential to seek prompt and appropriate medical attention, especially in severe cases, to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening outcomes. […] Many common antibiotics are effective against E coli. The correct choice depends on the site of infection in the body, the patients severity of illness and the pattern of resistance. Common antibiotics used are Bactrim, Augmentin, Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin and ciprofloxacin, to name a few, but it is very important to consult with a physician to decide on the best treatment strategy.
#90 Escherichia coli Infections – Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-negative-bacteria/escherichia-coli-infections
E. coli O157:H7 infection can occur in people of all ages, although severe infection is most common among children and older adults. […] E. coli symptoms depend on the part of the body affected and on the strain of E. coli causing the infection. […] E. coli O157:H7 infection may result in death, especially in older adults, whether hemolytic-uremic syndrome develops or not. […] Treatment of E. coli infection varies depending on where the infection is, how severe it is, and which type of E. coli is causing it. […] Prevention of E. coli O157:H7 infection involves avoiding unpasteurized milk and other dairy products made from unpasteurized milk, thoroughly cooking beef, thoroughly washing the hands with soap and running water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and having contact with animals or their environment and before and after preparing or eating food.
#91 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#92 E. coli Infection Meaning, Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.medicinenet.com/e_coli__0157h7/article.htm
Early intervention usually results in better outcomes. […] The CDC recommends the following to prevent infections from E. coli 0157:H7. […] Because E. coli 0157:H7 is routinely found in the intestines of cattle, companies have developed a vaccine to reduce the number of these bacteria in cattle.
#93 UC Irvine scientists uncovering link between gut E. coli and Parkinsonâs disease – UC Irvine News
https://news.uci.edu/2024/10/24/uc-irvine-scientists-uncovering-link-between-gut-e-coli-and-parkinsons-disease/
Parkinsons happens when proteins build up in regions of the brain that control body function, said Elizabeth Bess, professor in the Department of Chemistry and the lead researcher behind the work. […] What Bess interdisciplinary team found is that the protein chunks that aggregate in the brain and lead to Parkinsons appeared to form in the intestine as a result of the well-known E. coli bacteria, which resides in our gut. […] The team found that waste produced by E. coli causes protein chunks called alpha-synuclein aggregates to form. […] Theres evidence that these disease-causing protein clumps can travel from the gut to the brain along the vagus nerve that connects these organs, Bess said. […] The notion that a treatment for a disease like Parkinsons that afflicts the brain may begin in the gut is a new one. […] The idea that Parkinsons disease can start in the gut is a bit weird in terms of the typical dogma for thinking about Parkinsons disease, said Bess.
#94 UC Irvine scientists uncovering link between gut E. coli and Parkinsonâs disease – UC Irvine News
https://news.uci.edu/2024/10/24/uc-irvine-scientists-uncovering-link-between-gut-e-coli-and-parkinsons-disease/
Parkinsons happens when proteins build up in regions of the brain that control body function, said Elizabeth Bess, professor in the Department of Chemistry and the lead researcher behind the work. […] What Bess interdisciplinary team found is that the protein chunks that aggregate in the brain and lead to Parkinsons appeared to form in the intestine as a result of the well-known E. coli bacteria, which resides in our gut. […] The team found that waste produced by E. coli causes protein chunks called alpha-synuclein aggregates to form. […] Theres evidence that these disease-causing protein clumps can travel from the gut to the brain along the vagus nerve that connects these organs, Bess said. […] The notion that a treatment for a disease like Parkinsons that afflicts the brain may begin in the gut is a new one. […] The idea that Parkinsons disease can start in the gut is a bit weird in terms of the typical dogma for thinking about Parkinsons disease, said Bess.
#95 UC Irvine scientists uncovering link between gut E. coli and Parkinsonâs disease – UC Irvine News
https://news.uci.edu/2024/10/24/uc-irvine-scientists-uncovering-link-between-gut-e-coli-and-parkinsons-disease/
Parkinsons happens when proteins build up in regions of the brain that control body function, said Elizabeth Bess, professor in the Department of Chemistry and the lead researcher behind the work. […] What Bess interdisciplinary team found is that the protein chunks that aggregate in the brain and lead to Parkinsons appeared to form in the intestine as a result of the well-known E. coli bacteria, which resides in our gut. […] The team found that waste produced by E. coli causes protein chunks called alpha-synuclein aggregates to form. […] Theres evidence that these disease-causing protein clumps can travel from the gut to the brain along the vagus nerve that connects these organs, Bess said. […] The notion that a treatment for a disease like Parkinsons that afflicts the brain may begin in the gut is a new one. […] The idea that Parkinsons disease can start in the gut is a bit weird in terms of the typical dogma for thinking about Parkinsons disease, said Bess.
#96 Pathogenic Escherichia coli | Nature Reviews Microbiology
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro818
The genomic structure of the E. coli pathotypes that have been sequenced so far show a striking mosaic pattern, with 2,000 genes present in 247 islands in one pathotype that are not present in K-12. Up to 0.53 MB of DNA present in K-12 can also be absent from pathogenic E. coli. […] Genes that encode virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli are regulated by both pathotype-specific regulators that are absent from commensal E. coli, and by 'housekeeping’ regulators that are present in commensal E. coli. […] Several different E. coli strains cause diverse intestinal and extraintestinal diseases by means of virulence factors that affect a wide range of cellular processes.
#97 The Diversity of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and Vaccination Strategies against This Versatile Bacterial Pathogen
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/344
E. coli is one of the most genetically versatile microorganisms and can colonize and persist in primary (bird/animal/human host-associated) and secondary (open or non-host-associated) habitats. The high plasticity of the genome of this bacterial species gives it a tremendous capacity to evolve due to the gain and loss of genes through genetic changes, leading to the emergence of pathogenic strains from the commensal strains. […] The accumulating genomic sequence data has led to an increased understanding of E. coli virulence factors and mechanisms underlying species diversification and the tracking of foodborne disease outbreaks. […] The emergence of antibiotic resistance might be multifactorial, but it is largely believed to be caused mainly by human activity and increased antibiotic usage for human health, animal health and food production. […] The development of novel therapeutic approaches will continue to be essential. In addition, alternative sustainable preventive strategies such as vaccination can help in limiting the increase of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
#98 Escherichia coli – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escherichia_coli
Some serotypes, such as EPEC and ETEC, are pathogenic, causing serious food poisoning in their hosts. […] Fecal-oral transmission is the major route through which pathogenic strains of the bacterium cause disease. […] A growing body of research, though, has examined environmentally persistent E. coli which can survive for many days and grow outside a host. […] Some strains of E. coli, for example O157:H7, can produce Shiga toxin. […] Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is one of the main causes of urinary tract infections. […] Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is the most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea, with as many as 840 million cases worldwide in developing countries each year. […] Certain strains of E. coli are a major cause of foodborne illness. […] In May 2011, one E. coli strain, O104:H4, was the subject of a bacterial outbreak that began in Germany.
#99 Pathogenic Escherichia coli – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogenic_Escherichia_coli
The O104:H4 strain is equally virulent. […] Uropathogenic E. coli is responsible for approximately 90% of urinary tract infections (UTI) seen in individuals with ordinary anatomy. […] In humans and in domestic animals, virulent strains of E. coli can cause various diseases. […] Some E. coli strains contain a polyketide synthase genomic island (pks), which encodes a multi-enzymatic machinery that produces colibactin, a substance that damages DNA. […] In animals, virulent strains of E. coli are responsible of a variety of diseases, among others sepsis and diarrhea in newborn calves, acute mastitis in dairy cows, colibacillosis also associated with chronic respiratory disease with Mycoplasma where it causes perihepatitis, pericarditis, septicaemic lungs, peritonitis etc. in poultry, and Alabama rot in dogs.
#100 What Is E. Coli? | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/64436-e-coli.html
A 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology summarized how, over the past several decades, researchers have tried a variety of approaches to develop effective vaccines for E. coli. So far, scientists have developed rudimentary vaccines for travelers diarrhea but they aren’t very effective and work against only a few specific strains, Fankhauser said. […] A new and potentially promising area of vaccine research is the development of personalized E. coli vaccines based on an individual’s blood type. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the severity of symptoms caused by an E. coli infection is related to a person’s blood type. […] Another team of researchers in the U.S. and Europe has made progress in developing a vaccine for preventing UTIs caused by E. coli. The group’s preliminary 2017 study, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, demonstrated that their vaccine was safe and effectively reduced the number of UTIs in more than 30 female patients.
#101 What Is E. Coli? | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/64436-e-coli.html
A 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology summarized how, over the past several decades, researchers have tried a variety of approaches to develop effective vaccines for E. coli. So far, scientists have developed rudimentary vaccines for travelers diarrhea but they aren’t very effective and work against only a few specific strains, Fankhauser said. […] A new and potentially promising area of vaccine research is the development of personalized E. coli vaccines based on an individual’s blood type. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the severity of symptoms caused by an E. coli infection is related to a person’s blood type. […] Another team of researchers in the U.S. and Europe has made progress in developing a vaccine for preventing UTIs caused by E. coli. The group’s preliminary 2017 study, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, demonstrated that their vaccine was safe and effectively reduced the number of UTIs in more than 30 female patients.
#102 What Is E. Coli? | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/64436-e-coli.html
A 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology summarized how, over the past several decades, researchers have tried a variety of approaches to develop effective vaccines for E. coli. So far, scientists have developed rudimentary vaccines for travelers diarrhea but they aren’t very effective and work against only a few specific strains, Fankhauser said. […] A new and potentially promising area of vaccine research is the development of personalized E. coli vaccines based on an individual’s blood type. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the severity of symptoms caused by an E. coli infection is related to a person’s blood type. […] Another team of researchers in the U.S. and Europe has made progress in developing a vaccine for preventing UTIs caused by E. coli. The group’s preliminary 2017 study, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, demonstrated that their vaccine was safe and effectively reduced the number of UTIs in more than 30 female patients.
#103 E. coli Infection Meaning, Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.medicinenet.com/e_coli__0157h7/article.htm
Early intervention usually results in better outcomes. […] The CDC recommends the following to prevent infections from E. coli 0157:H7. […] Because E. coli 0157:H7 is routinely found in the intestines of cattle, companies have developed a vaccine to reduce the number of these bacteria in cattle.
#104 What Is E. Coli? | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/64436-e-coli.html
Infection can also occur after not carefully washing hands that have come in contact with animals (especially livestock), or people or surfaces that have been exposed to the harmful bacteria. Swimming in contaminated water may also lead to an E. coli infection, especially if any water was swallowed. […] Although E. coli can infect anyone, certain groups of people are more at risk for developing symptoms than others, including young children and older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or decreased stomach acid levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. […] Diarrheal diseases, including those caused by E. coli, are a major health issue around the world. The development of vaccines aims to reduce the number of infections, and, ultimately, the number of deaths, especially among young children, caused by complications associated with the diseases.
#105 E. Coli: Infections, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Types | Metropolis Healthcare
https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/understanding-e-coli-infections-symptoms-causes-types-and-treatment
Escherichia coli or an E. coli is a group of bacteria that normally reside harmlessly in the intestines of healthy humans and animals and aid in digestion. However, some strains can cause health problems if they enter into other parts of the body or accidentally ingested. These harmful strains can cause an E. coli infection which can cause symptoms ranging from a mild discomfort to severe illness. […] An E. coli infection is caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria, which is commonly found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless and even beneficial, some, such as E. coli O157, cause serious illness. These infections usually occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water and symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In serious cases, kidney failure can occur, especially in children and the elderly.
#106 FAQ: E. Coli: Good, Bad, & Deadly – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562895/
E. coli is genetically promiscuous. It can exchange genes with other strains of E. coli and even other types of bacteria. […] This may seem flippant or disgusting, but it is quite accurate. Because E. coli lives in the gut, transmission of E. coli from one organism to another is predominantly from feces to mouth. The source of E. coli in almost all food and water contamination events can be traced back to exposure to fecal matter at some point in the food chain; whether it is on the farm, at the processing plant, in transportation, during retail, at the restaurant, or even during preparation in our homes. […] There are two ways to protect food from contamination with pathogenic E. coli: prevent bacteria from getting into food in the first place or treat food products in such a way as to kill or inactivate any bacteria that have slipped past all precautions.
#107 E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Fact Sheet – MN Dept. of Health
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ecoli/ecoli.html
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. […] However, the O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. […] In some people, especially in children under 5 years old and the elderly, E. coli O157 infections can cause a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). About 2 7% of E. coli O157 infections lead to HUS. HUS occurs when the E. coli O157 toxin destroys red blood cells. HUS can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death. Approximately 5 10% of HUS cases are fatal. […] E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal or human feces.
#108 The Diversity of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and Vaccination Strategies against This Versatile Bacterial Pathogen
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/344
E. coli is one of the most genetically versatile microorganisms and can colonize and persist in primary (bird/animal/human host-associated) and secondary (open or non-host-associated) habitats. The high plasticity of the genome of this bacterial species gives it a tremendous capacity to evolve due to the gain and loss of genes through genetic changes, leading to the emergence of pathogenic strains from the commensal strains. […] The accumulating genomic sequence data has led to an increased understanding of E. coli virulence factors and mechanisms underlying species diversification and the tracking of foodborne disease outbreaks. […] The emergence of antibiotic resistance might be multifactorial, but it is largely believed to be caused mainly by human activity and increased antibiotic usage for human health, animal health and food production. […] The development of novel therapeutic approaches will continue to be essential. In addition, alternative sustainable preventive strategies such as vaccination can help in limiting the increase of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
#109
https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/causes-old/e-coli-meningitis
Most cases of E. coli meningitis occur in babies under three months of age because they have underdeveloped immune systems. […] E. coli meningitis must always be treated urgently with antibiotics. […] There is currently no vaccine available to prevent E. coli meningitis. […] The development of vaccines that protect newborns from E. coli is challenging, but there are vaccines in the pipeline. […] E. coli meningitis is caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically live in the intestines and vagina. […] Some strains of E. coli are now resistant to several widely-used antibiotic treatments. […] The World Health Organization has identified E. coli as one of the drug-resistant bacteria that are most threatening to human health.