E. Coli (Escherichia Coli)
A Fecal Coliform Bacteria Linked to Animal and Human Faeces)
Sep 18, 2009
E. coli is a ‘fecal coliform’ bacteria (connected to animal and human faeces), and lives in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different strains of E. coli, and it is generally harmless. Some strains cause urinary tract infections such as cystitis, which tend to clear up on their own after a few days.
Recently, several toxic strains of E. coli (serotype 0157:H7 being one) have been identified. These are more serious and have been reported in the news. In the UK, the BBC states that 36 cases have been reported so far after parents and children visited a children’s farm in Surrey. The infected children are all under 10, and have been receiving treatment in hospital. It is thought that they picked up the bug after petting infected animals on the farm. Another farm has since been closed and the Health Protection Agency is currently investigating the causes of the outbreak.
Children are especially vulnerable to E. coli because their bodies are less able to cope with dehydration and diarrhoea – two symptoms of the infection. Elderly people, and those who have a weakened immune system are also at risk.
E. Coli Serotype 0157:H7
This is a serious strain of E. coli, which was identified in 1982 and traced to hamburgers. Symptoms include watery and bloody stools, dehydration, fever, and vomiting. This strain produces toxins that can cause kidney failure, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and it can be fatal. NIAID is the principle research organisation on E. coli. It is estimated by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that this strain affects around 70,000 people each year in the USA.
How is E. Coli Spread?
In most cases, E. coli is spread via contaminated food (typically meat) or water. It is also be found on vegetables and fruit (spinach, lettuce, sprouted seeds), and salami. Fruit and vegetables may be sprayed with infected fertiliser or water, and this is difficult to detect and wash off. It is also found in faecally-contaminated water (swimming pools, ponds, and sea water) so easy to catch if you accidentally swallow water. It was also linked to a batch of Nestle’s raw cookie dough.
E. coli 0157:H7 is caught from infected cattle, as in the recent cases in Surrey, and other mammals.
Symptoms of E. Coli
Typical symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea, exhaustion, and fever. These begin two to five days after you pick up the infection, and can last for up to eight days.
Preventing E. Coli
The US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention suggests the following for preventing outbreaks of E. coli: -
- Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies, and touching animals, and before preparing food.
- Cook meat thoroughly and avoid eating raw meat. You should heat hamburgers to 160 degrees F (buy a meat thermometer to monitor this).
- Wash salads, fruit, and vegetables before use.
- Avoid unpasteurised cheese, milk and juices.
- Try not to swallow water when swimming.
- Practise good kitchen hygiene – use separate knives and chopping boards for meat and vegetables, and store raw meat at the bottom of the fridge, away from other foods.
- Defrost frozen meat in the microwave or fridge.
Treating E. Coli
A mild outbreak of E. coli will usually clear up on its own within five to 10 days. If you have any of the above symptoms your doctor will take a stool sample to determine the type of bacteria. Drink plenty of water and take oral rehydration tablets, as these will replace missing sodium, potassium and glucose. Antibiotics are not the best solution, and there have been reports suggesting that certain strains of E. coli are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Don’t take anti-diarrhoea preparations, as these can inhibit recovery.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
This is a serious and rare complication of E. coli, which may cause kidney failure. In this case, the infection kills red blood cells, and a blood transfusion and kidney dialysis may be required.
Most cases of E. coli are harmless, and will clear up without treatment within a week or so. See your GP for guidance and testing, to determine what the infection is first of all. It is not possible to protect yourself from all scenarios but you can prevent the spread of infection by practising good kitchen hygiene, and washing your hands regularly. Hand sanitizers are a good preventative measure and can be applied once a day. Keep your immune system strong by exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. This will help your body to fight off an infection more quickly if it does strike.
Resources
Medline Plus: US National Library of Medicine information service: E. coli Infections, accessed 18th September 2009.
E. coli: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, accessed 18th September 2009.
E. coli 0157:H7 in Drinking Water. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, accessed 18th September 2009.
E. coli and Farm Animals. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed 18th September 2009.
NHS Choices: Facts About E. coli, accessed 18th September 2009.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on specific symptoms.
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