E. coli symptoms

The E. coli is a mobile rod-shaped microorganism that lives in the human intestinal tract as one of the main components of the normal intestinal flora.

The role of E. coli in the human body

In the first hours after birth, the human body is populated with bacteria from the environment, and the E. coli has its own specific place, function and quantity. This bacterium takes part in the digestion of food, the synthesis of certain vitamins, and promotes the suppression of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

All of the above refers to the so-called harmless E. coli strains, which, while in a certain proportion to other microorganisms inhabiting the intestines, bring the body benefits. And each person has his own rate of proportional ratio of microorganisms.

Danger of E. coli

However, penetrating into other organs, even harmless E. coli can cause an inflammatory process. For example, in women, E. coli can cause colpitis (inflammation of the vagina), the main symptoms of which are itching and yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor. Spreading further along the genitals, this bacterium can cause inflammation of the cervix, ovaries. Penetrating into the urethra, it can affect the bladder and kidneys. Once in the respiratory system, E. coli can cause ENT diseases.

In addition, there are varieties of Escherichia coli that can cause acute intestinal diseases in a person (a number of infections). These include the hemolytic E. coli, which is found in the analysis of feces. With a large number of pathogenic bacteria, the body, even with good protective forces, is difficult to cope with, therefore a disease occurs. The most common mechanism of infection with E. coli is fecal-oral, associated with non-compliance with basic hygiene rules (unwashed hands, poorly washed vegetables and fruits, improper storage of food, etc.). Infection is transmitted through food, water, household items. You can also "pick up" an E. coli by using unboiled milk or insufficiently thermally processed meat dishes.

Symptoms of E. coli infection in adults

The incubation period (before the symptoms of poisoning with E. coli) lasts from 3 to 6 days.

After infection, pathogenic E. coli begin to multiply actively, leading to a violation of digestion and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. As a result, the main symptom of infection with E. coli is diarrhea. Diarrhea can be with an admixture of mucus and blood.

What other symptoms can occur when poisoning with E. coli? The remaining signs may be present, but are not mandatory in this case. These include:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• increased body temperature;
• general weakness;
• lack of appetite;
• pain in the abdomen .

The most dangerous consequence of poisoning with E. coli, accompanied by frequent diarrhea and vomiting, is the loss of body fluids and salts. This is manifested by a sensation of dryness in the throat, thirst. Therefore, in the first place, the patient is required to ensure a constant replenishment of fluid loss, maintaining a normal water-salt balance. Also, during treatment, measures are taken to eliminate intoxication of the body, drugs are prescribed for the renewal and stabilization of the intestinal microflora.

Sometimes a hemolytic E. coli may not give any symptoms. In this case, a person is a healthy carrier of this bacterium. But the danger of infection of others is preserved.