E Coli (Escherichia Coli) Infection
Description
E. coli (Escherichia Coli) is the name of a bacteria that lives in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. E coli can cause infection in the urine, intestines, blood and rarely other organs. One type, E. coli 0157:H7 can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can result in severe bloody diarrhea, kidney failure and death. The infection arises from eating contaminated food, or drinking infested water.
Symptoms
Depends of the site infection but may include: diarrhea, burning urination, fever, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, flank pain, low blood pressure.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests include: cultures of urine, blood and/or stool to identify the E. coli bacteria.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
Treatment
Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are typically administered.
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- Family Practice
- Infectious Disease Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
- Pediatrics
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