Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of people and animals. However, some types of E. coli, particularly E. coli O157:H7, can cause intestinal infection. E. coli O157:H7 and other strains that cause intestinal sickness are called Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) after the toxin that they produce.
Symptoms of intestinal infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
More severe cases can lead to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, or even kidney failure.
People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and older adults are at increased risk for developing these complications.
Most intestinal infections are caused by contaminated food or water. Proper food preparation and good hygiene can greatly decrease your chances of developing an intestinal infection.
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- Clinically, Escherichia has been reported to contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. Escherichia spp. are commonly recovered from inflamed tissues of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients.
- Untreated inflammatory bowel disease patients were shown to have higher abundance of Escherichia and lower abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
- Increased levels of Escherichia were observed in colorectal cancer patients.
- Patients diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis have higher abundance of Escherichia.
- Consumption of a Western diet is positively associated with Escherichia levels.
- Increased levels of E. coli were observed in people on a gluten-free diet.
- A non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia, Escherichia
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Escherichia spp.
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