E. coli
A food and waterborne illness caused by a strain of the Escherichia coli bacterium
(fig. 1) called E. coli.
What is it? (Overview)
Hundreds of strains of E. coli live harmlessly in humans and animals. One strain, however, causes an unpleasant
intestinal infection. It wasn’t until 1982 -- when undercooked, contaminated hamburgers caused an outbreak of
bloody diarrhea -- that researchers isolated the strain. Since then, experts have also found E. coli in unpasteurized
milk and fruit juices, fresh vegetables and fruits, and sewage-contaminated water.
The main concern with E. coli infection is that the elderly and children under 5 may develop a complication called
hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS kills red blood cells and leads to kidney failure. Two to seven percent of
children infected with E. coli develop renal problems.
How do I know I have it? (Symptoms and Diagnosis)
Bloody diarrhea is the most common symptom of E. coli infection, although non-bloody diarrhea is also a possible
symptom. You may experience vomiting and abdominal cramping, as well. Most often, symptoms appear two to four days
after eating contaminated food. In some cases, though, they can take eight or nine days to develop, making it difficult
to pinpoint the source of the infection.
Since the symptoms of E. coli are similar to other gastrointestinal illnesses, it’s often misdiagnosed. If you
have bloody diarrhea, ask your doctor to test a stool specimen on sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) agar.
How do I treat it? (Treatment)
Most people recover completely in five to 10 days without any special treatment. Antibiotics don’t seem to help,
and over-the-counter diarrhea medicine can actually make the problem worse, since it prevents your body from flushing
out the bacteria.
Because young children are at increased risk for HUS, call a doctor right away if you notice small bruises or
clot-sized hemorrhages inside your child’s mouth. This is a sign that toxins are destroying her red blood cells.
Also alert the doctor if your child’s hands or feet swell or if she urinates infrequently, which signals kidney
damage. Most children recover completely from HUS, but it can cause kidney failure and death without prompt treatment,
which include blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.
How can I prevent it? (Prevention)
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water after preparing food or changing diapers.
- Cook ground beef thoroughly (you shouldn’t see any pink when you cut into the meat).
- Use a cooking thermometer when you prepare other meats. Continue cooking until the thermometer reads 160 F. If the meat isn’t done, be sure to wash the thermometer between tests.
- Keep raw meat away from other foods. Wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with soap and hot water after they come into contact with raw meat.
- Drink and serve only pasteurized milk and juice.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before serving.
- Make sure everyone in the family washes their hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom.
- Discourage your child from swallowing pool or lake water, and check with the local health department before allowing her to swim in bodies of fresh water.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where can I get more information? (Resources)
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
(800) 622-9010
http://www.kidney.org