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Originally name Bacterium Coli Commune, and what would later be known as Eschericia coli was founded by a German Bacteriologist named Theador Escheric in 1885. It was only in 1958 the bacteria was changed to Eschericia coli, E. coli.

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E. Coli is:

Prokaryotic

Bacillus Shaped w/ flagellum

Gram Negative

Faculative Aerobic

Good E.Coli is found within our intestines. It helps breakdown and digest food. It also aids in the absorption of vitamin K and other important vitamins through the colon.

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E. Coli can cause a number of diseases, such as:

Gastroenteritis

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Neonatal Meningitis

Crohn’s Disease

Cholecystitis

Cholangitis

Traveler's diarrhea

Pneumonia

Today I will be focusing more on the Urinary Tract Infection or UTI caused by E. Coli.

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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

A UTI occurs when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract.

Most commonly UTIs are caused by E. Coli from the rectal area. Women are most likely to get a UTI due to the closeness in proximity of rectum to urethra.

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It's pretty easy to get a urinary tract infection. Bacteria that live in the vagina, genital, and anal areas may enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner's genitals

As stated before, Both men and woman can aquire a Urinary Tract Infection. However,The female anatomy contributes to women's increased likelihood of contracting a UTI. A woman's urethra is shorter than a man's, allowing bacteria better access to the bladder. A woman's urethral opening is also close to sources of bacteria from the anus and vagina.

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Other causes for UTIs:

Not drinking enough fluids

Purposely holding in urine for long periods of time

Spinal cord injuries or other nerve damage that makes the bladder difficult to empty regularly and completely

Conditions or situations that block the flow of urine, such as a tumor, kidney stone, enlarged prostate, or sexual intercourse

Catheters

Hormonal changes in the urinary tract of pregnant women that make it easier for bacteria to spread through the ureters and to the kidneys

Improper hygiene and self cleaning.

It can also be aquired from bacteria from sexual partners during intercourse.

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Pain or burning while urinating.

Frequent urination.

Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.

Bloody urine.

Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

Cloudy and strong smelling urine

Irritability and confusion, especially in elder adults.

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You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:

Urinate after sexual activity.

Stay well hydrated.

Take showers instead of baths.

Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.

Teach girls when potty training to wipe front to back.

Healthy diets

Getting plenty of sleep

DO NOT hold the urge to urinate

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UTIs are normally treated with a short term course of antibiotics, a number of factors go into the course of treatment, such as the number of days for antibiotics. Standard dose for antibiotics are 3-5 days, however, men and pregnant women may be required to take a longer course of antibiotics.

Doctors will likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back:

Amoxicillin/augmentin.

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Cephalexin (Keflex)

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Fosfomycin (Monurol)

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

The type of antibiotic prescribed can be determined based on patient drug allergies, as most antibiotics are part of the same family, and history and frequency of antibiotics taken.

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UTI home remedies

1. Try cranberries. Cranberries may contain an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract

2. Drink plenty of water

3. Urinate when you need to

4. Take probiotics

5. Get more vitamin C

6. Wear loose clothing

7. Use a heating pad

8. Over the counter medicines such as AZO (cranberry pills)

It is recommended you consult a medical professional before attempting any of these remedies at home.