Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae Infection

Definition:

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of gram-negative bacilli that inhabit the large intestine of mammals. Commonest is escherichia coli, most are harmless commensals but others may be caused intestinal disease. The medical importance of many of the members of this family has resulted in intense study of the group. This is probably the best characterized collection of prokaryotes.

Members of the Enterobacteriaceae are rod-shaped, and are typically 1-5 µm in length. Many members of this family are a normal part of the gut flora found in the intestines of humans and other animals, while others are found in water or soil, or are parasites on a variety of different animals and plants.

Escherichia Coli and other Enterobacteriaceae Infections Causes

Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae cause most nosocomial infections. Noninvasive, enterotoxin infections may be a major cause of diarrheal illness in children in the United States. Transmission may be occured directly from an infected person or indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water or contact with contaminated utensils. Incubation takes in between 12 to 72 hours.

Enterobacteriaceae are distributed worldwide. Their host range includes animals ranging from insects to humans, as well as fruits, vegetables, grains, flowering plants, and trees. E. coli, being a typical member of the Enterobacteriaceae, is presumed to have survival characteristics very similar to those of the well-known pathogenic members of the family, Salmonella and Shigella.

Escherichia Coli and other Enterobacteriaceae Infections Symptoms

Effects of noninvasive diarrhea depend on the causative toxin. The symptoms of enterobacterial infections are sometimes classified according to the type of diarrhea they produce.

The symptoms of an E. coli infection may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

The other symptoms of the escherichia coli may be included:

• Very ill
• chills
• acidosis
• shock
• severe bloody diarrhea
• non-bloody diarrhea
• severe abdominal cramps

Escherichia Coli and other Enterobacteriaceae Infections Treatments

Appropriate treatment consists of enteric precautions, correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Treatment of enterobacterial diarrhea is usually empiric. Empiric means that the doctor treats the patient on the basis of the visible symptoms and professional experience in treating infections.

Newborn infants and patients with immune system disorders will be given antibiotics intravenously once the organism has been identified.

Most alternative practitioners advise consulting a medical doctor if the patient has sunken eyes, dry eyes or mouth, or other signs of dehydration