E. coli

Gastroenteritis/ intestinal infection

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

gram-negative bacillus, motile, non-spore forming, six pathogenic varients, facultative anaerobe

E. coli O157:H7 (STEC)- produce shiga toxins

Animals and their enviroment

Digestive Tract- oral

Fecal-Oral root- poor hygiene, animal to animal (cattle - human), ingestion of fecal contaminats, contaminated food and drinking water

1-3 days

Varies by E. strain but generally includes colonization of either the small or large intestine by attaching to or invading epithelial cells. O157:H7 attaches to the lining of the colon and forms diarrhea inducing lesions. Can also secrete Shiga toxins that damage blood vessels resulting in intestinal hemorrhage

Diarrhea (often bloody and without pus), abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, usually improves within 3-10 days

Severe Dehydration, Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)

Hemolytic anemia, acute kidney failure, low platelet, 30% renal injury, 5-10% mortality, affects 5-10% of people diagnosed with E coli o157 infection (predominantly children)

Practice good hygiene, cook food thoroughly, dont drink dirty water, drink pasteurized milk and ciders, refrigerate perishable foods

Clear liquids, Bismuth subsalicylate compounds (Pepto-bismol). Use with caution- antimotility agents and antibiotics not recommended