Where can you catch E. coli and how to understand that it is she

What is Escherichia coli

coli (Escherichia coli E. coli) is a bacterium that is normal lives in the human intestine and helps digest food. Most of its strains are harmless when in the digestive tract. But even they can provoke diseases if they enter the sterile parts of the body. For example, once in the genitourinary system, the wand can cause prostatitis or cystitis.

And then there are pathogenic E. coli. It is they who are remembered when it comes to gastrointestinal infections, manifested by diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes kidney failure.

Where can you get E. coli

E. coli is found in water, soil, human and animal intestines. You only need to swallow a small amount of bacteria to get sick. Usually this going on, If:

• There is undercooked meat (minced meat is especially dangerous, because it mixes the meat of different animals and the likelihood of encountering an infected increases).
• Drink unpasteurized milk or eat products from it.
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• There are unwashed vegetables and fruits, especially those grown on farms with cattle.
• Swallow water while swimming.
• Drink water from a private well (animal feces can get into it).
• Do not wash your hands, especially after using the toilet, visiting zoos, farms. This is most relevant for families with small children - they touch and lick everything, but do not like to wash their hands.

But you can pick up an infection almost anywhere. Yes, Roskachestvo reportedthat E. coli was found in 40% of Philadelphia rolls. And this applies not only to budget cafes, but also to premium segment restaurants.

For whom is E. coli most dangerous?

Anyone can become infected with pathogenic E. coli, but some will be more likely to develop complications. To risk factors relate:

• childhood or old age;
• weakened the immune system;
• Eating potentially hazardous foods such as uncooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and soft cheeses
• warm season (June-September) - most likely, this is due to the season of vegetables, fruits and holidays;
• a decrease in the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, for example, due to taking medication for gastritis or ulcers.

How to understand that pathogenic E. coli has entered the gastrointestinal tract

The most common infection caused by Escherichia coli provokes such symptoms:

• pain and cramps in the abdomen;
• diarrhea, which can range from watery to bloody;
• weakness;
• loss of appetite and nausea;
• vomiting;
• temperature rise to 38.5 °C.

What is the danger of E. coli infection

In 5-10% of cases develops A complication of the infection is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), in which E. coli toxins enter the bloodstream. They destroy red blood cells and damage the kidneys to such an extent that they fail.

At first, the symptoms of the complication are similar to a common intestinal infection, only they are more intense, and the diarrhea is often bloody. But as the syndrome develops:

• urination decreases, blood appears in the urine;
• pale skin;
• there is severe fatigue;
• heartbeat quickens;
• confusion occurs;
• can be convulsions;
• kidneys fail.

HUS usually develops seven days after the onset of the first symptoms of infection.

How to distinguish an infection caused by E. coli from other intestinal infections

Distinguish Escherichia coli from other pathogens intestinal infections impossible. Diagnosis can be put only on the basis of fecal analysis. But most people do not go to the doctor with diarrhea, so often the pathogen remains a mystery.

What are the signs of infection to see a doctor?

Health care needif diarrhea lasts more than three days or is accompanied by:

• high temperature;
• blood in chair;
• profuse vomiting;
• infrequent or no urination.

How is an E. coli infection treated?

There are no methods that could cope with infection, relieve symptoms, or prevent complications. You can help the body itself to overcome the disease or treat the already developed consequences.

At home

Fortunately, in most cases, an infection caused by E. coli passes by itself in 3-5 days. To help the body overcome it, it is enough:

• drink more fluids to avoid dehydration;
• rest more.

Antibiotics for E. coli are not prescribed because they increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

It is also not recommended to take medicines to stop diarrhea, such as loperamide. Diarrhea helps the body get rid of pathogens. If you stop this process, then the bacteria will not disappear anywhere and, most likely, they themselves or their toxins will penetrate into the blood.

In the hospital

Usually with Escherichia coli hospitalized due to severe dehydration or developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome. In the first case, an intravenous infusion of fluids is prescribed, in the second, blood transfusion and dialysis are required, that is, hardware purification of the blood if the kidneys stop working.

How to protect yourself from E. coli

Observe personal hygiene rules and precautions while cooking:

• often wash your hands with soap, especially before and after cooking, after toileting, contact with cows and other livestock;
• if it is not possible to wash your hands, use an alcohol sanitizer;
• do not swallow water while swimming;
• wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water;
• avoid underdone meat and unpasteurized milk;
• Wash cutting boards, utensils, cutlery, and countertops with hot soapy water, especially after they have been exposed to raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
• wash kitchen cloths frequently with hot water in the washing machine.