E. coli Infection Symptoms

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a species of bacteria that inhabits the intestines of all humans and is normally harmless. However, specific strains of E. coli are considered pathogens and can cause a food-borne illness.

Pathogenic Strains

• An E. coli infection typically refers only to strains that actually cause symptoms. The most common virulent strain of E. coli is O157:H7, although O121 and O104:H21 are also pathogens.

Typical Symptoms

• E. coli infections usually cause bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping with little or no fever. It is typically self-limiting and resolves in 5 to 10 days.

Severe Illness

• E. coli infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in young or elderly patients with compromised immune symptoms. This condition destroys the red blood cells and causes kidneys to fail.

Causes

• Most cases of E. coli infections are due to contaminated food, especially ground beef. Other common sources of E. coli infections are contaminated water and person-to-person contact.

Prevention

• The most effective methods of preventing E. coli infections are to only eat hamburger that's thoroughly cooked and drink only pasteurized milk. E. coli infections can also be avoided by employing standard sanitation measures such as washing utensils thoroughly and preparing raw meat separately from other foods.

Reporting

• Cases of E. coli infection are reported in the United States for epidemiological purposes. HUS cases are also reportable in most states.