Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli)

Escherichia coli was discovered by the Austrian physician T. Escherich in 1885 and named after him. Based on antigenic and biochemical properties, this microorganism is divided into 2 main types: E. coli and Citrobacter. E. coli are mobile with slightly rounded ends. E. Coli bacteria live in the human intestine as the main components of normal flora. However, there are more than one hundred varieties of pathogenic E. coli. Pathogenic E. coli are divided into four classes: enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive and enterohemorrhagic. Moreover, there are no morphological differences between pathogenic and normal coli bacteria.

Methods of infection

E. coli outbreaks are seasonal. Epidemics occur more often in the summer months. Main routes of infection:

• oral-fecal – after contact with water and soil contaminated with feces, as well as with vegetables that grew on it;
• contact-household - from a sick person through common objects (this method is less common than the first);
• from inflamed organs of the genitourinary system;
• transmission of escherichia coli from mother to child during childbirth.

The last method of transmission is the most dangerous, with a large number of complications. A newborn's immune system is weakened, so the body is unable to fight E. Coli. The bacterium multiplies rapidly and attacks the brain, causing meningitis.

The incubation period is 3-8 days.

In newborns, Escherichia coli is hemolytic and lactose-negative. An increase in the level of the first variety should cause concern among doctors. A lactose-negative bacillus must be present in the intestines, but its norm is 105. Exceeding normal values ​​leads to the appearance of undigested food particles in the stool, as well as to alternating constipation and diarrhea.

The main source of E. coli infection is cattle. Along with the animal's feces, bacteria are released that enter the soil and water bodies. Meat that has undergone insufficient heat treatment, as well as unpasteurized milk, is a source of infection.

Predisposing factors for infection are failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, a decrease in the body's protective properties, an unfavorable epidemiological situation, and visiting countries with high levels of water and soil pollution.

Pregnancy period

The period of gestation creates favorable conditions for the active growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The female body experiences physiological stress, which leads to a natural decrease in the immune system.

Important! When actively multiplying, E. coli release toxic substances that damage cells and tissues.

Eschirichiosis during pregnancy can cause dangerous consequences. Bacteria can lead to early rupture of amniotic fluid. This can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. From the vagina, pathogens can penetrate the placental barrier into the fetal bloodstream. This can lead to congenital pathologies. E. coli often causes meningitis in children.

The baby is infected while passing through the birth canal. This can lead to developmental delays or even death. It is simply impossible to do without antibiotics in the treatment of E. coli. Gynecologists always select safe antibacterial agents for pregnant women. Infusions of medicinal herbs for washing will provide auxiliary assistance. You can use calendula, string, chamomile.

Pregnant women are at risk for infection

Types

All coliform bacteria (coliforms) can be divided into opportunistic and pathogenic. There are more than 100 strains of the latter. They are the ones who cause intestinal infections. Among the main types of E. coli are:

• Enteroinvasive. The symptoms of infection are similar to dysentery.
• Enteropathogenic. More often they colonize the small intestine of infants.
• Enterotoxigenic. They cause stomach diseases, the symptoms of which disappear within 3-5 days without drug treatment.
• Enterohemorrhagic. Accompanied by the development of colitis and uremic syndrome, leading to a rapid deterioration in health.

All pathogenic E. coli can cause infectious diseases (escherichiosis). All E. Coli can survive for a long time in the external environment - in feces, water and soil. The bacterium is killed by certain chemical compounds, as well as exposure to temperatures above 70˚C.

Symptoms

General deterioration of health and digestive disorders are the main symptoms of E. coli. Intestinal infection can occur as enterocolitis, food poisoning, dysentery or cholera-like infection, hemorrhagic colitis. Symptoms depend on the type of microorganism, so each class needs to be studied in more detail.

Enteropathogenic symptoms of Escherichia coli

This pathogen causes nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe diarrhea and high body temperature. The stool is copious and watery. This form of escherichiosis is most often diagnosed in children under one year of age.

Read more about diarrhea in children on the website Mama66.ru.

Enterotoxigenic symptoms of Escherichia coli

Escherichiosis is most often caused by dirty hands, as well as unwashed vegetables and fruits. E. coli is firmly attached to the intestinal mucosa, so the symptoms are pronounced.

Signs:

• copious watery stools;
• paroxysmal abdominal pain;
• nausea and vomiting;
• weakness;
• muscle and joint pain;
• increase in body temperature.

Manifestations of this group of bacteria, Escherichia coli, are often called “traveler's diarrhea.”

Enterohemorrhagic symptoms of Escherichia coli

Bacteria of this group, E. coli, lead to the most severe consequences. Hemolytic E. Coli causes acute hemolytic anemia as blood cells are destroyed. This can lead to the death of the patient, so it is important to recognize the infection in time.

Symptoms:

• bloody diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting;
• lack of appetite;
• weakness;
• headache;
• fever, high body temperature;
• stomach ache.

In children, bacteria of this group of E. coli have characteristics - bloating, liquid feces with mucus and particles of undigested food, regurgitation, vomiting, increased body temperature, tearfulness and restlessness.

This type of escherichia coli occurs in children, the elderly, and women after childbirth.

Symptoms always appear suddenly and acutely. In addition to the destruction of blood cells, damage occurs to the renal tubules and glomeruli. Ischemia of the vessels of the renal glomeruli develops, and then acute renal failure. As a result of toxic effects, hemolytic jaundice appears, the skin acquires a lemon-yellow tint.

Enteroinvasive symptoms of E. coli

This group of bacteria, Escherichia coli, is more common in children, causing the following symptoms:

• loose stool mixed with blood;
• lower abdominal pain;
• weakness;
• refusal to eat;
• headache;
• increase in body temperature.

Varieties

The overwhelming number of E. coli do not cause harm to the body. They learned to coexist together, benefiting each other. The intestine is the main reservoir for opportunistic strains of Escherichia coli.

Important! Escherichia coli is the collective name for a group of microorganisms that includes hundreds of microorganisms.

Under the influence of certain factors, the normal content of E. coli is reduced, as a result of which the vacated space is populated by pathogenic microorganisms. This may occur due to the following reasons:

Signs of an intestinal infection in a child

• frequent viral diseases;
• underdevelopment of lymphatic structures in young children;
• emotional and physical fatigue;
• age-related changes;
• weakened immunity;
• bad habits: smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction.

E. coli is divided into two main types: pathogenic microorganisms, non-pathogenic microflora. The first type, in turn, includes:

• enteropathogenic (strains cause diarrhea, especially in infants);
• enteroinvasive (penetrate into the deeper parts of the intestine, causing bloody diarrhea);
• adhesive. Attached to the intestinal mucosa, interfering with the absorption of nutrients;
• hemorrhagic. Antibodies are released that damage cellular structures;
• toxigenic (the bacterium attacks the mucous membrane of internal organs and blood vessels) and other bacteria. Non-pathogenic microorganisms are lactose-positive and lactose-negative.

Important! The bacteria have the shape of a rod, which is slightly rounded on one side. Some rods have flagella, due to which they can move.

Only pathogenic strains can cause poisoning of the body. Normally, E. coli ensures normal activity of the entire gastrointestinal tract and helps limit the proliferation of pathogens. Pathogenic rods after penetration into the body provoke the appearance of toxic substances. As a result, severe intoxication of the body develops.

Ultraviolet rays destroy bacteria in just a few minutes. They can remain viable for some time in water, soil, excrement, and tolerate drying well. Escherichia coli is located mainly in the large intestine. There it participates in such processes as the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates, the synthesis of biotin, as well as vitamins K and group B, the breakdown of oxygen, the processing of lactose, the processing of acids, cholesterol, and bilirubin.

Escherichia coli and the genitourinary system

E. coli, entering the organs of the urinary or reproductive system, leads to diseases of these organs. Common diseases caused by E. Coli:

• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis in men;
• adnexitis, vulvovaginitis, endometritis, colpitis in women;
• peritonitis.

Escherichia coli penetrates from the rectum into the urethra and bladder in an ascending manner. There are suggestions that the bacillus is transmitted sexually from an infected partner.

Infectious diseases caused by E. coli are difficult to treat. The bacterium weakens local immunity, which makes there a high probability of infection with gonococci, staphylococci and other dangerous microorganisms. Chlamydia or gonorrhea may develop.

Along with genitourinary diseases, complications from the digestive tract are possible, for example, pyelonephritis is often accompanied by acute pancreatitis.

E. coli normal

Escherichia coli is a microscopic bacterium. Its characteristics:

• gram-negative microorganism;
• size only 2x0.6 microns;
• sustainable in the environment;
• optimal pH 7.2-7.4;
• suitable temperature is 37˚C.

Non-pathogenic strains are part of the microflora of a healthy person. Normally, their number varies from 106 to 108 CFU/g. They populate the intestines in the first days of a baby’s birth.

If the normal number of microorganisms is exceeded, then E. Coli. have a toxic effect, so treatment is necessary.

Analyzes

The basis of the examination for diagnosis is laboratory diagnosis of escherichiosis. It assumes:

• blood analysis;
• urine and stool analysis;
• coprogram, feces for dysbacteriosis;
• vaginal and urethral smear;
• analysis of vomit;
• urine test for acetone.

As a result of the data obtained during the examination, one can judge the state of the intestinal microflora, the severity of intoxication of the body, as well as determine the type and class of bacteria, their resistance to antibiotics.

If Escherichia coli is detected in the blood, this indicates a serious condition that can be fatal. Such patients are subject to urgent hospitalization.

Treatment

It is unacceptable to treat E. coli on your own. The symptoms of escherichiosis are similar to other infectious diseases, so it is impossible to select adequate therapy at home. All medications are prescribed only after the results of bacterial culture. Treatment of E. coli is possible only with the help of antibacterial drugs.

Basic medical measures for escherichia coli:

• hospitalization (for young children and patients with dehydration);
• bed rest;
• drug therapy (antibiotics, probiotics, detoxification agents, rehydration);
• dietary nutrition (diet No. 4 for intestinal damage and table No. 7 for diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system).

Drug therapy is primarily aimed at preventing dehydration of the body, maintaining vital functions and preventing complications from the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.

Treatment of escherichiosis with medications looks like this:

• cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics - Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Cefaprim, Cefazolin, Cefepime;
• bacteriophages (preparations containing viruses that kill E. coli) – Liquid coli;
• probiotics (required for dysbacteriosis) – Hilak forte, Linex, Acipol, Enterol;
• enterosorbents (to relieve symptoms of intoxication) – Smecta, Enterosgel, Polysorb;
• rehydration solutions (for the prevention of dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea) – Trisol, Regidron;
• antipyretic drugs (at temperatures above 38 ° C) - Paracetamol, Panadol, Ibuprofen.

Bacteriophages have a pronounced therapeutic effect. They kill the pathogen escherichia coli, so recovery occurs faster than with antibacterial therapy.

If E. coli leads to the development of complications in the form of meningitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis or sepsis, then antibiotics of the cephalosporin group, for example, Cefuroxime, are necessarily used.

Severe dehydration, which is accompanied by electrolyte disturbances, is treated with infusion solutions.

Antibacterial treatment lasts 5-7 days. After recovery, the patient should take probiotics, for example, Bifidumbacterin, for 2-3 weeks, and also follow a diet.

In men

The reason for taking a smear in men may be complaints of pain and cramping in the urethral area, the appearance of pathological discharge from the urethra, redness of the external os of the urethra, a rash on the penis, pain during intimacy. With a mild form of infection, male thrush occurs. The reason for this may be unprotected sex or poor hygiene.

To prevent candidiasis, you should use gels for intimate areas and be sure to shower after sexual intercourse using bactericidal agents. The doctor may prescribe a smear even if there are no complaints. The study is indicated when examining a couple regarding childlessness, before urological manipulations, as well as identifying vaginitis in a sexual partner.

If E. coli was detected by chance and nothing bothers the man, such carriage does not require specific treatment. If signs of inflammation were detected in the smears, it is additionally necessary to do a PCR test for hidden infections, as well as culture of the discharge.

E. coli can cause prostatitis

Prevention

All preventive measures for Escherichia coli boil down to the following recommendations:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly;
• follow the rules of heat treatment of meat;
• do not drink raw milk;
• purchase meat and dairy products only from trusted sellers with a quality certificate for the product;
• strengthen immunity;
• regularly carry out wet cleaning in the house.

At the first symptoms of E. coli, you should immediately visit a doctor. After recovery, you need to see a doctor on days 6-8 to rule out a relapse.

Intestinal infection is common among adults and children. It is not only accompanied by severe symptoms, but can also lead to severe dehydration, disruption of important body functions, and death of the patient. It is important to follow preventive measures and treat E. coli at the first manifestations.

In children

The most common cause of infection in childhood is the consumption of dirty vegetables or vegetables, as well as unsuitable drinking water. Infection of newborns can occur during artificial feeding through poorly washed dishes or formula. Unsanitary living conditions are another provoking factor for escherichiosis.

The disease is especially dangerous for infants. Active reproduction of pathogens is fraught with severe dehydration. There is a possibility of death. The incubation period lasts from several hours to eight days. The stool becomes liquid with a yellowish or even orange tint.

Vomiting, bloating, rumbling in the stomach, pain, and an increase in body temperature appear. Dehydration is indicated by dry skin and mucous membranes, rare urination, crying without tears, and weight loss. The child must comply with bed rest and dietary nutrition. Children under two years of age with moderate severity should be treated in a hospital setting.