Escherichia coli (E.coli)

Recently there was an E.Coli Infection outbreak in the US.

• Spread Through Fast Food: Mcdonald’s has stopped serving Quarter Pounder patties and slivered onions in several US states due to the outbreak.
  • Although the exact source of the infection remains unknown.

About E.coli

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. 
• While most strains are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause severe infections and illnesses.
• It  is the most commonly isolated bacteria from patient samples, present in 23.19% of samples from tertiary care hospitals.
• Symptoms of E. coli Infection: Urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, and pneumonia
  • In rare cases, it can cause acute kidney injury.
• Transmission: Through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• Treatment: Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve without treatment.

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How Does E. coli Cause Illness?

• Certain strains, known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), produce a toxin called Shiga. This toxin damages the small intestine lining, causing diarrhoea, including bloody diarrhoea.