Definition:
Escherichia coli infection is infection brought about by the Escherichia group of bacteria including numerous strains, causing severe stomach cramps and diarrhea and is more common during the summer months.
Diagnosis:
Stool culture by means of stool sample can reveal presence of Escherichia coli bacteria in the intestine and confirm diagnosis of Escherichia coli infection.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment necessary to treat infection, except drinking lots of water and fluids to replenish fluid loss during diarrhea bouts in order to prevent diarrhea. Medications to stop diarrhea should not be taken because it may inhibit the bacteria to get out of the intestine and out of the body.
Symptoms and Signs:
Seven days after infection with the Escherichia coli symptoms start to appear including sudden and severe abdominal cramps followed by watery diarrhea. If left uncontrollable, dehydration may result due to loss of fluid brought about by the diarrhea leading to fatigue and sick feeling. As the infection progresses, bright red bloody stools will take the place of diarrhea caused by soreness of the intestine; usually combined with symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting.
Causes:
Escherichia coli infection is caused by the E.Coli group of bacteria, which comes from eating undercooked ground beef, drinking unhygienic water and unpasteurized milk, and working with cattle because healthy beef and dairy cattle may carry the bacteria inside their intestine.
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