Key facts
Show
On this page
What is E. coli?E. coli (Escherichia coli) are a group of bacteria that are found in the gut of nearly all people and animals. There are many different strains of E. coli. Some cause no illness at all. Others cause minor illness, and yet others cause serious illness. Minor illnesses caused by E. coliSome strains of E. coli cause a range of minor illnesses including:
Serious illnesses caused by E. coliSome strains of E. coli cause serious illnesses such as:
Haemolytic uraemic syndromeE. coli can also cause a serious illness known as haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which damages the blood cells and can cause the kidneys to fail. Symptoms include:
Elderly people, young children and people with a compromised immune system are at greatest risk contracting a severe disease. How could I get infected?You can pick up E. coli infections in many different ways. You can get it from:
When should I see my doctor?See your doctor if:
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Our Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. How is E. coli diagnosed?Formal diagnosis of E. coli infection usually requires laboratory testing of a stool (poo) specimen for the bacterium or the toxic chemicals it releases. A blood test could also help to check for antibodies to the infection, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, or sepsis — a serious blood infection caused by bacteria, including E. coli. How is E. coli treated?Treatment for E. coli depends on what part of the body is infected and how serious the illness is. If you have diarrhoea and are not very sick, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as oral rehydration solution, which is available from pharmacies. If you don’t have a rehydration drink, you can use these drinks after diluting them.
Don’t take anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless your doctor has recommended them. Most people recover within 5 to 10 days without treatment. Can E. coli be prevented?You can reduce your chance of E. coli infection by avoiding risky foods and practising good hygiene. Always wash your hands after going to the toilet or changing a nappy. It is important to prepare, cook and store your food safely. Safe food handling will avoid transmitting the infection from one food item to another — for example, from infected raw meat to fresh food. Washing fruits and vegetables that you’ll be eating raw in clean water will also reduce any E. coli contamination. If you have been sick due to E. coli infection, you can also take steps to avoid infecting others.
How long can E. coli last untreated?Most people recover from E. coli infection without treatment within five to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection because they may lead to kidney complications. Antidiarrheal treatments should also be avoided.
What happens if you don't get treated for E. coli?Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people — particularly young children and older adults — may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
What are the long term effects of E. coli?People who drink Escherichia coli–contaminated water and develop gastroenteritis increase their long-term risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, according to a recent study.
What are the first signs of E. coli?Symptoms of E. coli O157 infection include severe diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps. Most people infected with E. coli O157 do not have a fever or vomiting.
|