All About Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)

Escherichia coli, a tiny bacterium also known as E. coli is commonly found in the gut of warm blooded animals, like cattle, like sheep & pigs and ohh like human beings.

Several types of E. coli exist as part of the normal flora of the human gut and have many beneficialfunctions, such as the production of vitamin K2. They also prevent harmful bacteria, known as pathogenic bacteria, from establishing themselves in the intestine.

Most E. coli strains pose no harm to human health, except for serotype O157:H7, which can cause food poisoning in humans and can become life-threatening.

Other less common serotypes, such as O104:H4, O121, O26, O103, O111, O145,and O104:H21 can also cause serious infection.

German pediatrician and bacteriologist, Theodor Escherich discovered the bacterium in 1885, hence its name. E. coli is now classified as part of the Enterobacteriaceae family of gamma-proteobacteria.

A healthy young adult will usually make a full recovery from E. coli O157:H7 infection within 5 to 7 days.

However, young children, elderly individuals and patients with weakened immune systems can develop potentially fatal HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), a type of kidney failure.

Signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection, the patient will typically experience symptoms within three to four days after being exposed to the bacteria, however, in some cases they may appear within a day or a week later.

The patient may show any of the following:

• Abdominal pain - typically, the first symptom is severe abdominal cramping that comes on suddenly.
• Diarrhoea - a few hours after the sudden abdominal pain, the patient typically has watery diarrhoea. A day later there may be bright red bloody stools, caused by sores in the intestines.
• Nausea
• Vomiting - note that many patients who become ill may not vomit
• Fever - note that many infected people may not have a fever
• Fatigue - diarrhea causes loss of fluids and electrolytes (dehydration), making the patient feel sick and tired

A considerable number of infected people have no noticeable symptoms. However, they are capable of unwittingly spreading the infection to others. coli, usually called E. coli, refers to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals.

E. coli infections are generally caused by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or coming into direct contact with someone who is sick or with animals that carry the bacteria.

Infections can be caused by:

• Improperly cooked beef;
• Raw fruits and uncooked vegetables, including sprouts;
• Untreated drinking water;
• Unpasteurized (raw) milk and (raw) milk products, including raw milk cheese;
• Unpasteurized apple juice/cider; and
• Direct contact with animals at petting zoos or farms.

Food can become contaminated with E. coli when animals are slaughtered or processed, even if precautions are taken. In processed or ground meat, the bacteria can be spread throughout the meat. Food can also be contaminated when it is handled by a person infected with E. coli, or from cross-contamination because of unsanitary food handling practices.

Proper hygiene and safe food handling and preparation practices are key to preventing the spread of E. coli.

Symptoms of E. coli infection usually start within about 3 to 4 days after exposure, but the incubation period can be as short as 1 day or as long as 10 days.

If you think you are infected with E. coli bacteria or any other foodborne illness, do not prepare food for other people. It's also a good idea to keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.

E coli gut infections require fluid replacement (like bags of IV fluids) with solutions containing appropriate electrolytes. Antimicrobials known to be useful in cases of traveler's diarrhea include

• Doxycycline,
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ),
• Fluoroquinolones,
• Rifaximin

They shorten the duration of diarrhea by 24-36 h.

Antibiotics are not useful in enterohemorrhagic E coli (EHEC) infection and may predispose to development of HUS.

Antimotility agents (like Loperamide, Eldoper, Immodium) are contraindicated in children and in persons with enteroinvasive E coli (EIEC) infection.

Article is related to

Diseases and Conditions

Foodborne illness,   Infectious colitis,   Bacterial colitis,   Bacterial intestinal infection,   E. coli poisoning,   Diarrhoea

Medical Topics

E coli

Diet and Food to Boost Immunity

We are all exposed to a multitude of germs and millions of infections all the time. You would be lucky to be able to pass through them without bringing one home. Some people get that itchy throat or grumbling stomach more often than others. Well they have something blame on and that is their LOW IMMUNITY.

Reasons for a poor immune function are many, but again, like most other conditions of the present world, common culprits are POOR DIET AND LIFESTYLE. So what can we do about it? Let’s find out .

Take Healthy Fats

Include the omega 3 rich foods at least twice a week in your diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help in reducing the internal inflammations and thus help in boosting immunity. Include fatty fish like sardine, mackerel, salmon and herring in your diet. Nuts and oilseeds are also good sources of this amazing fat.

These compounds found in plant food sources have a positive effect on immunity. Adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet can do wonders for an immune-boost. Ensure that you get fresh varities, always grab seasonal foods and have then in as raw or unprocessed state as possible. Make sure to wash them properly to remove all traces of chemicals and germs. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide much needed fiber to the diet.

Focus on protein intake. Like all other body parts, white blood cells are made of protein and good take of quality proteins keeps them healthy and active. Zinc, present in animal foods strengthens the immune system further.

Following foods are considered best to give a boost to your immunity:

Yogurt

• It has the live, gut-friendly bacteria which keeps the intestines free of trouble-making germs and improves food digestion and absorption.
• It contains a compound called beta-glucan that has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It improves immunity and wound-healing.

Green Tea 

• It contains polyphenols - potent antioxidants - that makes it one of the best immunity-boosting foods. Enjoy a light drink without milk for best results.

Garlic

• It contains an ingredient called allicin, capable of fighting infections and bacteria. Eat it raw for maximum benefits.

Citrus Fruits and Vegetables

These are rich in Vit C, an important vitamin with antioxidant properties for boosting immunity.

Further, making small changes in day to day activities would be great-

• Wash hands often, especially before handling food and after cleaning, dusting, gardening or playing with your pet.
• Avoid staying too near to people having infection or those who cough or sneeze often.
• Keep your office and home well ventilated and allow sufficient sunlight.
• Take proper rest and maintain a regular sleep pattern.
• Stay active; exercises would help in keeping up immunity.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height and age.
• Avoid junk and street food.

Article is related to

Diseases and Conditions

Immune deficiency,   Immunodeficiency,   Immune deficiency syndrome,  Immune deficiency disease

Treatment/Therapy

Immunotherapy

Medical Procedures

Immunization

Diet for Anemia Patients

Anemia is a condition where the total red blood cell or hemoglobin count of the blood is low. The condition is both serious as well as common, especially among women. Causes of anemia are many, ranging from heredity to co-morbidities, but poor diet is the most common factor, leading to precipitation of symptoms.

While a diet sufficiently rich in Iron is primary to anemia treatment, Vit B 12 and folic acid are also important in correcting the disorder.

Dietary Iron

Heme iron, supplied through non vegetarian foods is better absorbed by the body and it does not require the carriers like Vit C. Its sources include beef, egg, shrimp, chicken, oyster, pork and Turkey.

Vegetarian food sources of this mineral provide the non-heme iron, and the best sources are dark green leafy vegetables, dry apricots, whole wheat bread, dry fruits like prunes and raisins, beans, lentil, chick peas and soya bean. Pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds are also helpful. These require an acidic food for their absorption in the system. It is therefore important to take Vit. C rich foods along with the non heme iron food sources.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin is required for production of red blood cells. Its sources include milk and its products, egg, whey extracts, low fat cheese and salmon.

Folic Acid Rich Foods

Folic acid is also an important nutrient that helps in the cure of anemia. Its sources are dried beans, lentils, soaked almonds, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, oranges and whole grain breads.

Including Vitamin C

It helps in the absorption of non heme iron (iron obtained from plant sources). Get your daily dose of Vit C from foods like orange, amla and lemon.

For better iron absorption, avoid taking milk, antacids and calcium rich foods or calcium supplements at the time of taking iron-rich food or supplements. 

Article is related to

Diseases and Conditions

Anemia,   Hemolytic anemia,   Anemia of chronic disease,   Blood cell disorder,   Blood loss anemia