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Escherichia coli, most commonly known as E. coli, is a gram negative, rod shaped, facultative anaerobic bacterium. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria found in the environment foods, and intestines of healthy people and animals. Most of the time, it can live in your gut without hurting you. E. coli help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs. Some strains can cause infections in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and other parts of the body.

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Symptoms of E. Coli infection vary from person to person. The symptoms usually begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. But, you may become ill as soon as one day after exposure to more than a week later. Symptoms includes: diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody; stomach cramping, pain or tenderness; low fever; loss of appetite; and nausea and vomiting, in some people. Most patients recover within 10 days, but in a small portion of patients, the infection may lead to a life-threatening disease.

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Young children and older adults have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening disease. This disease is a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. The bacteria that cause this disease make a toxin called Shiga-toxin or STEC. Once in your blood, STEC damages red blood cells. This toxin is not very common. Some strains can also cause serious illnesses including: pneumonia, meningitis in newborn babies, and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). With newborns, it also can cause sepsis, bacteremia, and a uti. Other symptoms include: bloody diarrhea and respiratory distress.

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Long term effects of E. coli infection varies from person to person. These long term health effects can last longer than initial symptoms. This infection can cause kidney failure, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome which can lead to chronic kidney disease. It can also cause thrombotic thrombocytopenicpurpra (TTP), which leads to serious problems of kidneys and permanent brain damage. E. coli can also damage the intestines, making it hard to absorb nutrients.

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People of any age is at risk for e. Coli infection. Children under the age 5 years, adults older than 65, people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness as a result of an E. coli infection. People with diabetes are at risk as well. People who travel to certain countries, pregnant women, and even women with underlying digestive problems are more susceptible to this infection. Taking immunosuppressive medications can also increase the risk.

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E. Coli is typically acquired through contaminated food or water, or from other infected people or animals. Eating undercooked or raw meat, eating contaminated fruits and vegetables, drinking unpasteurized milk, and drinking contaminated water are ways of spreading this infection. It is also transmitted from coming in contact with a person who doesn’t wash hands regularly, or in coming in contact with an infected animal. It can also be acquired through indirect contact. An example of indirect contact would be touching a contaminated object or surface.

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You can reduce your chance of E. Coli infection by avoiding contaminated foods and practicing good hygiene. Good hygiene involves washing hands after handling raw meat, after using restroom, changing diapers, or being in contact with animals. Always wash raw fruits and vegetables in clean water. If you have been sick from an E. coli infection, there are actions you can take to avoid infecting others. Wash any contaminated objects or surfaced that has been dirtied by diarrhea or vomit. Avoid handling food for others until 24 hours after your last symptoms. Stay away from work and school until you have gone 24 hours with no symptoms.

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E. Coli usually go away on its own. Without treatment, most people recover from E. Coli infection within five to ten days. Rifaximin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin are all medications recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). Antibiotics aren’t usually recommended because they can increase the risk of serious complications. With a serious E. Coli infection that has caused hemolytic uremic syndrome, you will be hospitalized.

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A serious E. coli infection would require IV.