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What Causes E. Coli to Produce?

While some strains of E. coli bacteria are helpful to us, others can cause serious illnesses. E. coli O157:H7 -- the most common strain of infection-causing E. coli in the United States -- releases a toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine, causing severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. E. coli poisoning occurs when you accidentally ingest small amounts of feces that contain the bacteria. Being aware of what causes an E. coli infection can help you to avoid infection.

  1. Food Contamination

    • Cows, especially young calves, are often infected with E. coli bacteria that can contaminate meat and milk. The bacteria spreads from cow feces into food products intended for humans. Infected cow manure used as fertilizer and runoff from cattle farms also causes contamination in fruits and vegetables, explains the World Health Organization. Unpasteurized milk, apple juice, cider and other unpasteurized fruit juices also make the list of sources of E. coli poisoning.

    Water Contamination

    • Human and animal feces infected with E. coli bacteria sometimes get into sources of drinking water. Improper treatment of these water sources may result in contaminated water that will cause E. coli poisoning. You can also become infected with E. coli by accidentally swallowing water when swimming in rivers, lakes or pools that have come in contact with feces containing the bacteria, explains the MedlinePlus website.

    Personal Contact

    • E. coli can spread from one person to another through physical contact., when bacteria transfers due to improper or lack of hand washing. Food industry workers who use the restroom and neglect to wash their hands can transfer E. coli from their hands to the food that they touch. Touching animals at a petting zoo can also expose you to E. coli bacteria.

    Prevention

    • Following safe food-handling measures -- such as thoroughly cooking meats, washing fruits and vegetables and avoiding unpasteurized products -- help reduce your risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the importance of washing your hands to prevent the spread of E. coli, and recommends always washing your hands after using the restroom or changing diapers, after contact with animals or their environments, and before and after handling food.

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