Symptoms of E. coli infection and treatment of pathology

Escherichia coli is considered one of the most common bacteria. Its habitat is the intestines of humans and some animals. It is believed that after entering the environment (the bacterium is excreted from the body along with feces), it can maintain its viability for a long period even under the influence of external factors.

Bacteria of the genus Escherichia coli can be both safe for the human body and pathogenic, capable of leading to the development of numerous diseases.

These pathologies are characterized by their own pronounced symptoms.

When they appear, a person must urgently contact a medical facility, otherwise the illness caused by the pathogen can lead to the development of serious complications that are life-threatening for the person.

Characteristics of the microorganism

Escherichia coli is a bacterium of the genus Escherichia from the Enterobacteriaceae family. This microorganism actively multiplies in the human body, in particular, in various parts of the intestine.

When released into the environment with feces, the bacterium can remain viable for several months.

Active microflora is found in water, soil, feces, and also in some food products (especially milk and meat).

First of all, these microorganisms normalize the intestinal microflora, suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria.

In addition, they synthesize vitamin K, which is necessary to maintain normal blood clotting and perform other important functions in the body.

Some of the representatives of this species are capable of secreting enzymes that break down lactose. However, these bacteria remain safe only when they are in the intestinal cavity. When penetrating other organs, non-pathogenic microflora can provoke the development of inflammation.

When pathogenic Escherichia coli penetrates the intestines, various diseases develop in the human body, affecting not only the digestive tract, but also the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Classification and types of bacteria

Coli bacteria can be harmless or pathogenic. In turn, non-pathogenic microflora can be lactose-positive (in most cases), that is, capable of breaking down lactose, or lactose-negative, which does not have such an ability.

Pathogenic microorganisms are usually divided into the following types:

1. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is a group of bacteria that leads to the development of diarrhea and intestinal bleeding;
2. Enteropathogenic - bacteria of this type negatively affect the epithelial layer of the intestine, destroying its villi. The result of such exposure is a prolonged disruption of stool and metabolic processes;
3. Enteroinvasive - microorganisms invade the tissues of the intestinal walls, which leads to the development of a pronounced focus of inflammation.

Causes and routes of transmission

It is necessary to understand what reasons contribute to the penetration of pathogenic E. coli into the body and its activation (reproduction) in the intestines. Such reasons include:

1. Disturbance of the intestinal microflora, in particular, mass death of beneficial microorganisms as a result of gastrointestinal diseases;
2. Pathologies of the pancreas;
3. Inflammation in the intestines;
4. Long-term use of antibacterial drugs (despite the fact that this drug group is intended specifically to combat pathogenic microflora, uncontrolled use of antibiotics can lead to the opposite situation: bacteria adapt to the action of the drug and lose sensitivity to its active substances. As a result, an increased increase in numbers occurs harmful microflora);
5. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
6. Consuming contaminated food and water.

Transmission routes

E. coli, a pathogenic species, enters the human body in various ways:

1. Through food. For example, if a person consumes raw milk, meat that has not undergone proper heat treatment, raw milk;
2. Contact - household method, for example, when in contact with a sick person (through unwashed hands), when using contaminated things and household items;
3. The generic method, when the bacterium is transmitted to the newborn from a sick mother;
4. Sexual. During sexual intercourse, E. coli can also enter the body, although this happens quite rarely.

Characteristic symptoms

With the active development of pathogenic E. coli in the human body, specific symptoms appear, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and pain in various parts of the abdomen.

At the same time, the structure, color and smell of stool changes. The stool becomes more liquid, watery, and may acquire a mucous consistency. Its color becomes lighter, and bloody streaks may appear in the stool.

The feces acquire a sharper and more unpleasant odor.

The patient experiences profuse vomiting. In this case, the vomit acquires a specific green tint and a pungent odor. The patient experiences severe weakness, lack of performance, and dizziness.

In severe cases, an imbalance of the body's fluid balance develops with all the symptoms characteristic of this condition (pallor, dryness of the epidermis and outer mucous membranes, weakness, constant thirst).

Stages and manifestations

Clinical signs of the development of dangerous diseases caused by pathogenic E. coli depend on the duration of penetration of pathogenic microflora into the intestines, as well as on the number of bacteria and waste products released by them. In accordance with these parameters, 3 stages of development of the pathological process are distinguished. Each of them has its own set of characteristics.

Stage	Manifestations and symptoms
The initial stage of pathology, when a small amount of pathogenic microflora is observed in the human body.	Symptoms and manifestations of the pathological process are moderate. The patient is concerned about periodic weakness, moderate diarrhea (or constipation), and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen that occurs some time after eating.
The stage of development during which the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases; beneficial bacteria, on the contrary, begin to die off.	Severe indigestion occurs, accompanied by copious amounts of stool, which now has a watery or mucous consistency. During the act of defecation, the patient experiences nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Vomiting increases. The patient loses his appetite, his health deteriorates significantly. There is an increase in temperature and chills.
The final stage.	At this stage, the symptoms are most pronounced. In severe cases, bloody diarrhea develops, dehydration occurs, and the vomit turns green. In this case, the patient requires emergency hospitalization. In the normal course of the pathological process, gradual self-cleansing of the intestines occurs, after which improvement occurs.

Complications and diseases

The pathogenic form of E. coli can lead to the development of very unpleasant consequences, diseases that significantly impair a person’s well-being and pose a real threat to his health.

In women, E. coli penetrating into the urethra or vagina can lead to pathologies such as colpitis and urethritis. Frequent diseases that occur in the fair sex are cystitis, endometritis, pyelonephritis, and adnexitis.

Various unpleasant symptoms also occur, such as severe and painful itching in the vagina, cheesy, strong-smelling discharge from the genitals.

Pathogenic E. coli is considered especially dangerous for children. An infected child experiences significant hyperthermia, severe and foul-smelling diarrhea, loss of appetite and body weight, and signs of dehydration and exhaustion. The functioning of the immune system is disrupted. Areas of suppuration appear, which can lead to toxic infection of the blood and internal organs.

Diagnostic methods

In order to prescribe appropriate treatment, an accurate diagnosis must be made. For this purpose, various diagnostic measures are used.

First of all, the doctor conducts a conversation with the patient, establishes the totality of symptoms and complaints that bother the patient, the duration and circumstances of their occurrence.

After this, the patient is prescribed various laboratory and instrumental examinations.

Instrumental diagnostic methods are necessary to identify lesions of the intestines and other organs (kidneys, gall bladder). The use of such methods is not always necessary, but only if there are symptoms of the corresponding diseases.

Tests and laboratory diagnostics

To identify a pathological process, laboratory research methods are of great importance, allowing not only to identify microflora disorders, but also to identify the specific causative agent of the infection, to assess the degree of its sensitivity to certain antibacterial substances. This is necessary to select an appropriate treatment regimen.

1. Blood test for E. coli. Normally, this microorganism is not contained in the blood. If the bacterium is detected, this indicates that a person’s health and life are in danger, because the penetration of the pathogen into the bloodstream can provoke the development of sepsis (blood poisoning) - a life-threatening condition that can lead to death.
2. Urine examination. Detection of a pathogen in the urine indicates infection of the urinary system and the need for urgent antibiotic therapy. The stage of development of infection is judged by the number of bacteria and existing signs;
3. Vaginal smear. Normally, there is no E. coli in the smear. If it is detected, this indicates infection of the organs of the reproductive system;
4. Stool examination. With the development of E. coli, these microorganisms are present in large quantities in the feces (normally, the content of these microorganisms is allowed, but in much smaller quantities). Once the pathogen is detected, a bacterial culture procedure is performed. That is, the bacterium is placed in a special environment, after which its further development and reproduction are assessed. This allows you to determine the type of microorganism and its sensitivity to various types of antibiotics.

Therapy methods

Treatment of pathologies caused by E. coli includes the following:

1. Drug therapy and taking vitamins to restore immunity;
2. The use of probiotics to normalize intestinal microflora and eliminate dysbiosis;
3. Maintaining a special diet.

Drug treatment involves the use of drugs from various groups. These are, first of all, antibiotics, drugs to eliminate inflammation in the urinary organs, organs of the reproductive system, drugs that prevent the development of dehydration, drugs that restore healthy microflora in the intestines, vitamin preparations to strengthen the immune system.

The diet involves consuming large amounts of fermented milk products enriched with beneficial bacteria, vegetables and fruits that normalize the digestion process, and herbal decoctions that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

These are fatty and fried foods, spicy, salty, sweet foods, carbonated water, semi-finished products, canned food and sausages, as well as foods that cause a feeling of discomfort in a particular person.

Medicines

Name	Description	Dosage	Price
Fugarin	It has an antibacterial effect, allowing to reduce the growth of pathogenic microflora in the body, in particular, the proliferation of Escherichia coli (this microorganism is in most cases sensitive to the action of the active substance of the drug). Prescribed for infections of the urinary system.	50-200 mg 2-3 times a day after meals. Duration of therapy is about 1 week.	150 rub.
Amoxiclav	An antibacterial agent of the Penicillin series, it has a wide spectrum of action and has a detrimental effect on numerous types of pathogenic microflora.	1 tablet 2-3 times a day for 3-10 days (depending on the severity of symptoms);	210-420 rub. (depending on package size).
Terzhinan	A product in the form of suppositories for vaginal administration, prescribed for vaginal infection. It has an antibacterial, antifungal effect, helps restore normal vaginal microflora.	1 candle per day (best at night). The product is injected into the vagina, after which it is necessary to remain in a supine position for 10-15 minutes.	430-510 rub.
Enterol	The drug allows you to restore normal intestinal microflora, promotes the removal of pathogenic microorganisms and toxic substances.	1 sachet of powder is diluted in 1/3 glass of warm water, taken orally 2 times a day.	260-470 rub.

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Escherichia coli: description of types, symptoms and treatment methods

Escherichia coli is called Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Latin and is a species of bacteria that includes pathogenic and non-pathogenic varieties. Pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli cause infectious and inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, urinary and reproductive systems in men and women.

Next, we will look in detail at what types of E. coli there are, what their properties are, the reasons for their entry into the human body, the first symptoms and methods of treatment in adults.

What is Escherichia coli?

Escherichia coli is a bacteria belonging to the genus Escherichia and the family Enterobacteriaceae. These microorganisms are highly resistant; they can live for months in water, soil, and feces.

A group of diseases associated with Escherichia coli and caused by pathogenic strains of the bacterium are called Escherichiosis. They act as causes of diseases of the intestines, kidneys and other organs. This creates a number of problems in the field of digestion and the genitourinary system.

Bacteria multiply quickly and well in food, especially in milk, and therefore eating food contaminated and contaminated with E. coli causes infection with the subsequent development of an infectious-inflammatory disease.

Classification

Escherichia coli can be opportunistic (which includes hemolyzing Escherichia coli) and pathogenic. Scientists were able to isolate more than a hundred pathogenic strains of this bacterium, which were subsequently divided into four main classes, namely:

• enteroinvasive;
• enterotoxigenic;
• enteropathogenic;
• enterohemorrhagic.

These microorganisms can cause the development of escherichiosis, an infectious disease that, according to statistics, is most often found in children and women (the infection is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, mainly through food or water).

Form	Features of Escherichia coli
Enteropathogenic escherichiosis	Acute intestinal infection caused by an enteropathogenic bacillus. The disease often affects newborns, babies from birth to one year old. Frequent clinical manifestations: vomit, frequent loose stools. The baby begins to spit up frequently and refuses to eat. The child's sleep is disturbed and he becomes restless. The disease is protracted and not intense.
Enterotoxigenic	This type of E. coli damage resembles the picture of food poisoning. Distinctive characteristics: severe and frequent diarrhea, vomit, pain in the abdomen, nausea. The disease affects adults and children of all ages. Often found among travelers.
Enteroinvasive	Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli causes acute foodborne illnesses in children and adults, the course of which is similar to dysentery.
Enterohemorrhagic	Enterohemorrhagic (hemolytic, hemolyzing) Escherichia coli causes hemorrhagic colitis in children and adults or hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Both diseases require treatment.

Reasons for entering the body

E. coli exists and reproduces under ambient temperatures of 37 degrees. It feeds in the intestines with minerals and amino acid breakdown products. Retains its viability when entering water bodies, soil and products.

The genus Escherichia belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. The largest group of varieties of microorganisms is beneficial to the body. Some strains are pathogenic in nature - a number of severe food poisoning and genitourinary infections appear. In severe immunodeficiency conditions, when E. coli has spread throughout the body, it can lead to the development of meningitis and sepsis.

The main reason for contracting intestinal infections is non-compliance with hygiene standards.

There are 2 ways by which the infection is transmitted:

1. Water. The infection enters the body through drinking unboiled or poor quality water.
2. Nutritional. It is characterized by ingestion of contaminated food. With this method of infection, food poisoning often occurs in a person who has used contaminated products for cooking. For the human body, such food is poison.

Orally, Escherichia coli enters the intestinal tract from:

• dirt on hands;
• dirt on vegetables and fruits;
• insufficiently thermally processed meat;
• contaminated raw water;
• raw milk (according to statistics, this method of transmission is the most common).

Contact-household transmission is rare. More often it can be observed during an outbreak of eschechiriasis in a separate room (maternity hospital, hospital, school, etc.). One of the most dangerous ways to become infected with E. coli is through transmission of the infection during childbirth from mother to child.

Symptoms of E. coli

Symptoms of E. coli infection manifest themselves differently, so each class of pathogenic bacteria must be considered separately. The health status of an infected person will depend on which group the E. coli bacteria belong to and at what speed they multiply; the symptoms of the disease are described below.

General signs of the development of pathogenic E. coli in the body include symptoms such as:

• Disturbance of the digestive process;
• Pain in the abdominal area;
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Manifestations of flatulence;
• Unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• Weakness;
• Drowsiness;
• Loss of appetite;
• Increased body temperature;
• Fall in blood pressure.

Depending on the type of bacteria, a person notices the presence of certain signs.

Symptoms depending on the type of bacteria

Escherichiosis, caused by enteroinvasive bacilli, causes damage to the large intestine. The disease develops with the appearance of general intoxication symptoms:

• weaknesses,
• headache,
• chills,
• temperature rise.

A few hours later, cramping pain occurs in the lower abdomen.

• Diarrhea occurs, the stool is initially watery and profuse. But as the colon becomes damaged, colitis develops.
• Symptoms of this condition are frequent loose or pasty stools mixed with mucus and streaked with blood.

This variant of escherichiosis is characterized by a benign course. Temperature and stool return to normal after one to three days.

Intestinal infections caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in adults and children over 3 years of age occur as salmonellosis. That is, the disease begins acutely:

• nausea appears
• vomit,
• stomach ache,
• body temperature rises moderately or slightly.

The stool becomes thin, watery and profuse, and the patient goes to the toilet 2–6 times a day. When defecating, stool literally splashes out. The infection lasts on average for 3 to 6 days, after which recovery occurs.

Enterotoxigenic E. coli are dangerous because they can attach specifically to the intestinal mucosa, which significantly disrupts its functioning. The infection is transmitted through unwashed hands or fruit, so the symptoms of intestinal bacteria in the human body are sometimes called “traveler's diarrhea,” which is accompanied by:

• watery diarrhea without blood,
• nausea,
• paroxysmal abdominal pain.

Manifestations of enterohemorrhagic infection:

• Necrosis;
• Presence of blood clots (in stool);
• Peritonitis;
• Diarrhea (watery stools).

Symptoms of infection in a child are more severe, especially when affecting newborns or children with low body weight.

Escherichia coli can cause disease in organs other than the intestines. In the urinary tract, this bacterium can also cause inflammation. In girls and women, this risk is higher than in men, because... they have a short path from the intestine to the urethra.

Complications

Some types of sticks can cause:

In rare cases, inflammatory diseases can cause complications:

• peritonitis;
• pneumonia;
• sepsis;
• mastitis.

It is dangerous for any bacteria to enter a woman’s vagina. This leads to inflammation of the genital organs. First, vulvovaginitis or colpitis appears. If the pathogen is not eliminated in time, the infection rises to the fallopian tubes and uterus. Endometritis develops. With the further movement of bacteria up the body, they enter the abdominal cavity, peritonitis is observed.

The disease caused by E. coli manifests itself in different ways and can have a lot of complications on the organs and systems of the body. Therefore, the pathogen must be identified as early as possible and treatment must begin immediately.

Diagnostics

The infection is diagnosed based on bacteriological examination. Often, if there is a rod in the research material, which is the main part of the normal intestinal microflora, it is very difficult to isolate a pure culture of the pathogenic bacterium. If an inflammatory process occurs in the body, urgent treatment is recommended. To obtain the analysis result use:

• feces and vomit;
• blood;
• urine;
• pus;
• smears or scrapings taken from the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Treatment of E. coli

How to treat E. coli? Treatment of intestinal infections caused by coli is usually complex and includes the following points:

1. Antibiotics. Antibacterial therapy forms the basis of treatment for E. coli. A particular drug is prescribed after determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to it. The most commonly recommended antibiotics are the cephalosporin group: Cephelim, Cephalexin, Levofloxacin. The drugs are taken in courses of 5-10 days.
2. Bacteriophages. These are drugs that kill bacteria more gently and safely than antibiotics, but they are not always effective. Bacteriophages include Sextaphage, Intesti-bacteriophage, etc.
3. Painkillers. If the abdominal pain is severe, painkillers such as No-shpa, Bral, Spasmalin, Nurofen are prescribed. However, they should not be taken for a long time.
4. Probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin, etc.) help restore the normal balance of pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Treatment of escherichiosis should be carried out in a hospital:

• Mild forms of infection do not require the use of antibacterial agents.
• For moderate forms of coli infection, antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group (norfloxacin, ofloxacin) are prescribed.
• In severe cases of escherichiosis, drugs from the group of cephalosporins (cefotaxime), fluoroquinolones, together with aminoglycosides are prescribed.

In addition to taking antibiotics, the patient must follow certain treatment rules. If a patient experiences diarrhea or vomiting, he must drink rehydration solutions. With their help, lost fluid and salt are replenished.

For each bowel movement and vomiting, you should drink 300 to 600 milliliters of rehydration solution. For its preparation, pharmaceutical powder in the form of Trisol, Regidron, Glucosolan can be used.

To ensure the highest quality treatment of infectious diseases that arise when E. coli appears, it is recommended to take enterosorbents:

• Polysorb;
• Enterosgel;
• Polyphepan;
• Smecta;
• Filtrum.

Compliance with the diet. E. coli can be cured by following a special diet. The menu should include more porridges cooked in water, slimy soups, boiled vegetables, lean meat and steamed fish.

It is strictly forbidden to eat smoked meats, fatty and fried foods, canned food, milk, fresh fruits, and spices.

Prevention

E. coli is destroyed during cooking, baking, and pasteurization. However, this rule applies provided that the temperature is at least 70°C and the process continues for at least 2 minutes. Unlike others, the E.coli bacterium is characterized by resistance to cold, acidic environments, drying and high salt concentrations.

Preventative actions to prevent diseases caused by E. coli:

• Maintain personal hygiene: thoroughly wash your hands and face after going outside and in crowded places, a competent approach to intimate hygiene.
• Monitoring the purity of consumed raw products and bringing milk and meat to the desired state.
• Drink only high quality water.
• Use of disposable clothing in hospital settings.
• Monitoring the hygiene and health of pets.
• Regular cleaning of residential premises using reliable but not aggressive detergents.
• Be careful when eating in public catering establishments and while on vacation in hot countries.

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E. coli: symptoms, treatment and complications of infection

Escherichia coli is a rod-shaped conditionally pathogenic bacterium that can reproduce only in the absence of oxygen. This bacterium has several strains and many of them are completely harmless to the human body.

There are also types that can provoke the progression of severe and dangerous pathologies, ranging from disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract to sepsis. Symptoms and treatment of E. coli are determined by the type of bacteria and the individual characteristics of the human body, but it is important to start it as early as possible.

Causes of pathology

Infection with E. coli occurs predominantly through the fecal-oral route.

The main reason that causes infection of the human body is considered to be a violation of hygiene standards. In fact, there are two ways of transmitting infection:

1. the introduction of E. coli into the human body occurs when they consume dirty and poor-quality water
2. infection occurs when eating food contaminated with bacteria

Medical practice shows that patients are often diagnosed with food poisoning. This happens if an aggressive strain of Escherichia penetrates the gastrointestinal tract or its waste products, which produce organic acids, accumulate in large quantities. Those foods that are contaminated with toxins become real poison for humans.

If hygiene standards are violated in women, when taking a smear from their vagina, intestinal bacteria are detected and a diagnosis of “bacterial vaginosis” is made. This pathology is characterized by the appearance of dark discharge with an unpleasant odor. E. coli can cause candidiasis if the following conditions are present:

• wearing dirty underwear
• poor genital hygiene
• using low quality toilet paper

The introduction of E. coli into the urinary tract and urine can cause the development of inflammatory processes in women.

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia bacillus are often detected in childhood, and hemolyzing bacteria in adults can be detected when the body's defenses are reduced.

This mainly occurs with prolonged treatment with antibacterial drugs, as well as with severe hypothermia and colds.

With escherichiosis, the patient develops symptoms indicating a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

The occurrence of certain signs of the disease is determined by which particular strain the person was infected with. In the event that the cause of the development of the pathology is enterotoxigenic bacilli, then the small intestine is mainly affected and the symptoms are rather mild.

The disease begins its development quite suddenly, and the patient complains of dizziness, weakness and weakness. With this pathological condition, a slight increase in body temperature is possible, but at the same time it can remain normal.

The abdomen swells greatly, growls, and pain of a cramping nature appears.

Today there are many strains of Escherichia bacillus.

However, some types of E. coli strains are pathogenic microorganisms, and the most common among them is considered to be hemolytic or hemolyzing infection.

More information about E. coli can be found in the video:

Read: When and why is urine culture prescribed during pregnancy?

The penetration of pathogenic strains into the body leads to intestinal dysbiosis and severe poisoning. Often, E. coli causes pathologies such as prostatitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis, pneumonia, cystitis and urethritis.

E. coli are divided into the following types:

• Enterotoxigenic E. coli is accompanied by attacks of vomiting, as well as the development of secretory diarrhea and gastroenteritis.
• Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli becomes the main cause of gastroenteritis in childhood.
• The enteroinvasive form is characterized by the appearance of profuse watery diarrhea, bloody stools and pain in the intestines.
• Hemolytic E. coli is considered one of the most serious types of infection, which can cause paralysis of the intestinal and stomach muscles.
• The enterohemorrhagic species can quickly penetrate epithelial cells, cause their death and provoke kidney pathologies.

The entry of E. coli into the body of a newborn child can lead to his death, so it is necessary to begin treatment immediately after the infection is detected.

Symptoms of pathology

Frustration, vomiting, temperature - signs of E. coli

With an intestinal infection, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

• disturbance of stool, that is, it becomes too liquid and plentiful
• attacks of nausea and vomiting, and the discharge becomes thin and whitish

The clinical picture of this pathology resembles mild cholera, and in the absence of timely medical care, the death of the patient may occur.

Escherichiosis, caused by enteroinvasive bacilli, affects the large intestine. Pathologies begin to progress in a person, which are accompanied by the appearance of general intoxication symptoms:

• headache
• chills
• rise in body temperature
• weakness
• pain in the lower abdomen
• watery stool

When E. coli affects the rectum, colitis may develop, which is accompanied by the appearance of frequent loose stools streaked with blood or mucus. This variant of escherichiosis is characterized by a benign course, and after a few days it is possible to normalize the patient’s temperature and stool.

Enteropathogenic bacilli cause the development of enterocolitis in humans, and their entry into the body of newborn children can result in sepsis.

With this form of the disease, the patient experiences general intoxication symptoms, which are supplemented by bouts of vomiting and watery stools mixed with mucus. In the septic form of the disease, the child’s body temperature rises greatly, vomits, refuses to eat, and the whole body becomes covered with pustules.

When enterohemorrhagic E. coli enters the human body, signs of intoxication appear rather weakly, and the temperature often remains normal.

First of all, the patient is worried about loose stools, which is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the abdomen.

In addition, drops of blood appear in the stool, and after a week, complications such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombocytopenic purpura may develop.

This is interesting: Red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets: functions and normal levels in the blood

Methods for detecting infection

The disease can be diagnosed using bacterial culture

In order to identify E. coli in various organs, special studies are prescribed.

A bacteriological analysis of urine, feces, vomit and secretions from the reproductive organs may be prescribed. When conducting such a study, biological fluids are sown on a nutrient medium that is suitable for the active reproduction of E. coli. If they actively grow and form colonies, it is concluded that the analysis is positive.

In some cases, a coprogram or stool examination for dysbacteriosis is indicated.

When carrying out such an analysis, it is determined which microorganisms are present in feces and in what volume. When pathogenic bacteria are identified, an intestinal infection is diagnosed, and non-pathogenic infections indicate the development of dysbiosis in a person.

Features of treatment and complications

Treatment of E. coli is usually carried out in a hospital, and for mild forms of infection antibacterial drugs are not prescribed:

• For moderate forms of infection, drugs from the fluoroquinolone group are selected: Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin.
• If the pathology becomes severe, the course of treatment is carried out using drugs from the group of cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.
• When E. coli is detected in the urine, drug treatment is carried out using uroseptics, antibiotics and dietary supplements that stop the development of infection and increase immunity. When E. coli gets into the vagina, women develop an inflammatory process in the genitals. In such a situation, treatment involves taking antibiotics, careful hygiene and abstinence from sexual activity.
• If E. coli is detected in the goiter, long-term drug therapy is carried out using antifungal and antibacterial agents. In addition, rinsing the mouth with solutions that have a disinfecting effect is prescribed.

Treatment consists of taking specially selected antibiotics

If pathogenic microorganisms are identified in childhood or during pregnancy, treatment with probiotics and bacteriophages is indicated. If there is no positive effect, antibacterial treatment is prescribed according to the doctor's indications.

In some cases, E. coli causes the following complications:

1. infectious-toxic shock develops when the human body is exposed to toxins released by the pathogen
2. acute liver failure is accompanied by disruption of the organ, and such disruption is usually irreversible
3. sepsis is the penetration of bacteria into the blood and the development of purulent-inflammatory processes in various tissues and organs

In order to prevent E. coli from entering the body, you should follow personal hygiene rules and not drink water from unknown sources. Before eating vegetables and fruits, they should be washed well, and all foods should be cooked.

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E. coli (escherichia coli, escherichiosis): treatment, symptoms, bacteria group, what kills E. coli, how it is transmitted

Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli) is an opportunistic rod-shaped bacterium that lives and develops only in the absence of oxygen. Such a place is the human intestine.

It has pathogenic and non-pathogenic varieties, which in normal quantities do not harm at all, but, on the contrary, participate in the synthesis of vitamin-like compounds.

Pathogenic microorganisms cause severe illness and therefore require treatment.

Methods of infection

E. coli outbreaks are seasonal. Epidemics occur more often in the summer months. Main routes of infection:

• oral-fecal – after contact with water and soil contaminated with feces, as well as with vegetables that grew on it;
• contact-household - from a sick person through common objects (this method is less common than the first);
• from inflamed organs of the genitourinary system;
• transmission of escherichia coli from mother to child during childbirth.

The last method of transmission is the most dangerous, with a large number of complications. A newborn's immune system is weakened, so the body is unable to fight E. Coli. The bacterium multiplies rapidly and attacks the brain, causing meningitis.

The incubation period is 3-8 days.

In newborns, Escherichia coli is hemolytic and lactose-negative. An increase in the level of the first variety should cause concern among doctors. A lactose-negative bacillus must be present in the intestines, but its norm is 105. Exceeding normal values ​​leads to the appearance of undigested food particles in the stool, as well as to alternating constipation and diarrhea.

The main source of E. coli infection is cattle. Along with the animal's feces, bacteria are released that enter the soil and water bodies. Meat that has undergone insufficient heat treatment, as well as unpasteurized milk, is a source of infection.

Predisposing factors for infection are failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, a decrease in the body's protective properties, an unfavorable epidemiological situation, and visiting countries with high levels of water and soil pollution.

Types

All coliform bacteria (coliforms) can be divided into opportunistic and pathogenic. There are more than 100 strains of the latter. They are the ones who cause intestinal infections. Among the main types of E. coli are:

• Enteroinvasive. The symptoms of infection are similar to dysentery.
• Enteropathogenic. More often they colonize the small intestine of infants.
• Enterotoxigenic. They cause stomach diseases, the symptoms of which disappear within 3-5 days without drug treatment.
• Enterohemorrhagic. Accompanied by the development of colitis and uremic syndrome, leading to a rapid deterioration in health.

All pathogenic E. coli can cause infectious diseases (escherichiosis). All E. Coli can survive for a long time in the external environment - in feces, water and soil. The bacterium is killed by certain chemical compounds, as well as exposure to temperatures above 70˚C.

Symptoms

General deterioration of health and digestive disorders are the main symptoms of E. coli. Intestinal infection can occur as enterocolitis, food poisoning, dysentery or cholera-like infection, hemorrhagic colitis. Symptoms depend on the type of microorganism, so each class needs to be studied in more detail.

Enteropathogenic symptoms of Escherichia coli

This pathogen causes nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe diarrhea and high body temperature. The stool is copious and watery. This form of escherichiosis is most often diagnosed in children under one year of age.

Enterotoxigenic symptoms of Escherichia coli

Escherichiosis is most often caused by dirty hands, as well as unwashed vegetables and fruits. E. coli is firmly attached to the intestinal mucosa, so the symptoms are pronounced.

Signs:

• copious watery stools;
• paroxysmal abdominal pain;
• nausea and vomiting;
• weakness;
• muscle and joint pain;
• increase in body temperature.

Manifestations of this group of bacteria, Escherichia coli, are often called “traveler's diarrhea.”

Enterohemorrhagic symptoms of Escherichia coli

Bacteria of this group, E. coli, lead to the most severe consequences. Hemolytic E. Coli causes acute hemolytic anemia as blood cells are destroyed. This can lead to the death of the patient, so it is important to recognize the infection in time.

Symptoms:

• bloody diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting;
• lack of appetite;
• weakness;
• headache;
• fever, high body temperature;
• stomach ache.

In children, bacteria of this group of E. coli have characteristics - bloating, liquid feces with mucus and particles of undigested food, regurgitation, vomiting, increased body temperature, tearfulness and restlessness.

This type of escherichia coli occurs in children, the elderly, and women after childbirth.

Symptoms always appear suddenly and acutely. In addition to the destruction of blood cells, damage occurs to the renal tubules and glomeruli. Ischemia of the vessels of the renal glomeruli develops, and then acute renal failure. As a result of toxic effects, hemolytic jaundice appears, the skin acquires a lemon-yellow tint.

Enteroinvasive symptoms of E. coli

This group of bacteria, Escherichia coli, is more common in children, causing the following symptoms:

• loose stool mixed with blood;
• lower abdominal pain;
• weakness;
• refusal to eat;
• headache;
• increase in body temperature.

Escherichia coli and the genitourinary system

E. coli, entering the organs of the urinary or reproductive system, leads to diseases of these organs. Common diseases caused by E. Coli:

• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis in men;
• adnexitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, colpitis in women;
• peritonitis.

Escherichia coli penetrates from the rectum into the urethra and bladder in an ascending manner. There are suggestions that the bacillus is transmitted sexually from an infected partner.

Infectious diseases caused by E. coli are difficult to treat. The bacterium weakens local immunity, which makes there a high probability of infection with gonococci, staphylococci and other dangerous microorganisms. Chlamydia or gonorrhea may develop.

Along with genitourinary diseases, complications from the digestive tract are possible, for example, pyelonephritis is often accompanied by acute pancreatitis.

Source: https://e-coli.ru/