Among the many microorganisms inhabiting the human body, the E. coli is secreted. There are different strains of this bacterium, the bulk of which is harmless and is part of the normal flora of the intestine. The E. coli is necessary for the production of certain vitamins (eg, K), as well as for the prevention of the development of pathogenic microorganisms. However, some strains of Escherichia coli are pathogenic and can cause serious poisoning by hitting the gastrointestinal tract.
When ingested into other organs and body cavities, even non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli can cause the development of pathologies. What happens to the body, if an analysis of the smear reveals an E. coli in it?
Causes and symptoms of the presence of E. coli in the smear
During a preventive examination, a gynecologist gives a smear to the flora - an analysis that allows to assess the composition of microflora, the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina, and diagnose diseases. In a healthy woman, the microflora of the vagina is 95% composed of lactobacilli. Intestinal bacillus should not be present in the smear. The presence of this bacterium in the genital tract can not give visible symptoms, but more often, in this case, the woman has yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Once in the vagina and multiplying, E. coli leads to a disruption of the normal balance of microflora and can cause inflammation. Thus, this bacterium is often the cause of diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, colpitis , cervicitis, adnexitis, endometritis , etc. Further, the infection easily spreads to the cervix, ovaries. Penetrating into the urethra, the E. coli can cause cystitis, and also affect the bladder and kidneys.
There are several reasons for the presence of E. coli in the smear:
- non-observance of rules of intimate hygiene, wrong procedure of washing;
- wearing wrong underwear;
- unprotected anal-vaginal intimate relationships.
Especially dangerous is the presence of E. coli in a smear for pregnant women, since during childbirth a child can also get infection through the birth canal.
How to get rid of E. coli?
If an E. coli is found in the smear, then treatment should be started immediately. The treatment is performed by a gynecologist on an outpatient basis and represents a course of taking antibiotics lasting about 7 days.
Before the appointment of drugs, as a rule, the sensitivity of bacteria to certain antibiotics is determined. This is a very important procedure for effective treatment, as some strains of Escherichia coli can be resistant to the action of various types of drugs.
If a woman is pregnant, antibiotics are prescribed for use during this period and do not affect the growth and development of the fetus. Strict adherence to all the recommendations of the doctor will help to avoid negative consequences.
After the course of antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take medications that help to restore
In the future, to prevent infection with E. coli, a number of simple rules should be observed:
- during intimate hygiene, wash out in front to back direction to avoid bacteria from entering the rectum into the vagina;
- to be protected during sex;
- wear non-pressing underwear made of cotton fabric;
- regularly change underwear.