E. coli InfectionE. coli is a common type of bacteria that normally lives in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, where it helps in the break down and digestion of food. E. coli is short for the medical term Escherichia coli. There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless. Unfortunately, certain types of E. coli can get from the intestines into the blood and can cause a very serious infection.

What causes an E. coli infection?

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 has been contaminated by feces. E. coli can get into meat during processing. If the infected meat is not cooked to 160°F the bacteria can survive and infect you when you eat the meat. Bacteria can spread from a cow's udders to its milk. Raw fruits, vegetables and unpasteurized juices may also spread it.

Most vegetables and fruits are irrigated with either contaminated lake water or sewage water. Problem of contamination through vegetables and fruits arises if they are not properly cleaned before consumption. Vegetables used for salads such as cucumber, leafy vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and vegetables which grow beneath the ground, such as carrots, potato should be washed properly.

Human or animal feces infected with E. coli sometimes get into water supplies. People can become infected when contaminated water has not been properly treated with chlorine or when people accidentally swallow contaminated water while swimming in a lake, pool, or irrigation canal.

E. coli can spread from an infected person's hands to other people or to objects if hands are not washed properly after a bowel movement.

What are the symptoms?

Some people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after you come in contact with the E. coli. The main symptoms of E. coli infection are-

Bloody diarrhea.

Stomach cramps.

Nausea and vomiting.

Pale skin.

A fever.

Weakness.

Bruising.

Decreased urine output

How is it treated?

E. coli infection usually goes away on its own. Your main treatment is to make yourself comfortable and drink sips of water. Diarrhea causes the body to lose more water leading to dehydration. Taking frequent, small sips of water will help prevent dehydration. Do not take anti-motility drugs or antibiotics as these medicines can slow down the digestion process, allowing more time for your body to absorb the poisons made by the E. coli. In some people, E. coli infection causes serious problems with the blood and kidneys. These people may need blood transfusions or dialysis.

How do you prevent an E. coli infection?

Cleaning vegetables first with water, and then with lukewarm water with salt and turmeric powder is advised. Hands should be washed properly before handling the vegetables and foods.

All types of meat should be cooked to at least 160°F (71°C).

Avoid salads, ice and chutneys in eateries.

Eat hot food that is cooked properly.

Wash any tools or kitchen surfaces that have touched raw meat.

Use only pasteurized milk, dairy, and juice products.

Use only treated, or chlorinated, drinking water.

Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, except those with skin that you peel yourself.

Buy your vegetables, fruits and meat from reliable sources.

Proper care should be taken while washing leafy and other surface-grown vegetables.

Dr. Ravi MalikM.B.B.S., M.D. (Paed)

Sr. Child SpecialistConvener Medical Education, IMA-National

Asst Secretary General, IMA-National