Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is caused by a bacterium. It is the leading cause of bloody diarrhea.
This infection is caused by some types of the E. coli bacteria. Most E. coli infections are caused by:
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This condition is more common in children and older adults.
Other factors that increase your chances of an E. coli infection:
Symptoms of E. coli infection include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your waste material may be tested. This can be done with a stool culture.
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Most people will get better in 5-10 days. They rarely need a specific treatment. Avoid medication that stops diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Fluids through an IV line may be needed in cases of severe dehydration.
HUS is a life-threatening condition. It occurs in some people with E. coli infection. HUS may need to be treated with blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Symptoms may include:
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To help reduce your chances of an E. coli infection:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
https://www.niaid.nih.gov
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
E. coli infection. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/e-coli-infection. Updated April 2014. Accessed December 8, 2017.
E. coli (Escherichia coli). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli. Updated November 20, 2017. Accessed December 8, 2017.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116202/Hemolytic-uremic-syndrome-HUS. Updated May 17, 2017. Accessed December 8, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 12/20/2014
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