E.coli bacteria: symptoms, origin, is it dangerous?

Escherichia Coli or “E.coli” is a bacteria present in the intestine which prevents other bacteria from colonizing the intestinal flora and causing disease. When in the intestine, the majority of its strains are harmless and cause no symptoms. Some, however, are pathogenic and cause intestinal disorders.

What is the danger of escherichia coli bacteria?

Most patients recover from an Escherichia Coli infection within 10 days, but for some the infection can progress to a potentially serious form. deadlylike the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is characterized by acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. (decrease in platelets). At the origin of this syndrome, the Escherichia Coli bacteria called “Enterohemorrhagic”. This type of E.coli produces toxins (Shigatoxins) which will induce vascular lesions at the intestinal, renal and cerebral levels, mainly in young children. THE populations having a higher than average probability of developing serious symptoms of the disease are the children under 15 years old (especially under 5 years old) and the elderly.

Contamination of the intestines occurs through fecal-oral route. Transmission to humans often occurs via meat contaminated and eaten raw or undercooked. The consumption of fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water, raw milk (via cheese in particular), or swimming in contaminated water for example, can also be the cause of these infections.

What is the incubation period?

The incubation period is 3 to 8 days with median duration of 3 to 4 days.

What are the symptoms of an E.coli infection?

When ingested, it can cause intestinal infections and therefore diarrhea. These can sometimes be bloodyassociated with feverof the vomitingof the abdominal paina dehydration (the classic symptoms of gastroenteritis). In this case, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation (manifestations and symptoms of the disease, appearance of the stools), a cytobacteriological examination of urineif urinary infection (ECBU) (it is advisable to carefully apply the rules of prior disinfection of the urethral meatus and to collect only the “middle of the jet” not the first), a blood counta blood ionogram, urea and creatinine levels (kidney damage) and possibly a blood culture in the presence of fever. Stool culture (stool analysis) is useful in cases of persistent diarrhea.

What are the treatments?

► In case of intestinal infection: in the majority of casesthe only treatment is to drink plenty of water. In more serious cases, taking antibiotics is necessary.

► In case of urinary infection: THE recommended treatment for uncomplicated cystitis in young women due to E. coli is fosfomycin orally in a single dose (“minute treatment”). THE treatment of pyelonephritis and bacteremia appeals to 3rd generation cephalosporins, with aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones.

► The treatment of the meningitis neonatal treatment is based on the combination of a 3rd generation IV cephalosporin at high doses (meningeal doses) and an aminoglycoside.

As part of the prevention of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in children, two categories of foods are particularly involved: minced meats and the raw milk products (cheese. To avoid a serious food infection:

• There minced meat by the butcher on request must be consumed during the dayand frozen minced steaks must not have suffered a break in the cold chain or defrosting.
• Never defrost at room temperature.
• There cooking meats, and especially ground beef, must be done thoroughly. To do this, you must ensure that the meat is cooked in the center and that it is no longer pink.
• THE raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk should not be consumed by young children and in particular those under 5 years ; prefer cooked pressed cheeses (such as Emmental, Comté, etc.), processed spreadable cheeses and pasteurized milk cheeses.
• THE hand washing must be systematic before preparing mealswhen leaving the toilet or after changing an infant’s diapers.
• THE vegetables, fruits and aromatic herbs must be washed thoroughly, especially when eaten raw.
• THE Ready meals and leftover food must be reheated sufficiently and consumed quickly.
• THE children should not drink untreated water (well water…)
• Storage of raw foods should be done separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
• Kitchen utensils and the work surface must be washed thoroughly, especially if they have previously been in contact with raw meat.

To avoid urinary infectionsit is recommended to drink at least 1.5L of water per day, wipe from front to back after bowel movements, and urinate just before and after each sexual intercourse.

What temperature should you cook minced steaks?

ANSES recommends thoroughly cooking ground meat or ground meat products consumed by young children or the elderly: core temperature of 70°C for 2 minutes must be achieved when cooking beef minced steaks. After cookingthe inside of the steak should be gray-brown and in no case still red or pink. This brown-gray color indicates that the core proteins have been cooked, which also destroys bacteria possibly present like EHEC.