|
|
|
Vocapedia > Health > Microbes, Pathogens > Bacteria, Bacterial diseases > E Coli
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria common in human and animal intestines, and forms part of the normal gut flora (the bacteria that exist in the bowel).
There are a number of different types of E. coli and while the majority are harmless some can cause serious food poisoning and serious infection.
For example, E. coli bacteria are a common cause of cystitis, an infection of the bladder that occurs when there is a spread of the bacteria from the gut to the urinary system.
Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infection by E. coli because of the close proximity of the urethra and the anus.
Some types of E. coli can cause gastrointestinal infections.
As the bacteria can survive outside of the body, its levels serve as a measure of general hygiene and faecal contamination of an environment.
A common mode of infection is by eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria.
Some E. coli strains produce toxins (Shiga toxins) that can cause severe illness.
One common strain called E. coli 0157 produces such toxins and is usually responsible for the outbreaks that are covered by the news. https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/facts-about-e-coli/ - September 14, 2009
https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/facts-about-e-coli/ - September 14, 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/world/e-coli
https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2019/oct/23/
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/08/29/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/05/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/01/
spread E coli UK
https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2019/oct/23/
bacterial bloodstream infections UK
https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2019/oct/23/
routes UK
https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2019/oct/23/
E. Coli Outbreak USA
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/08/29/
Related > Anglonautes > Vocapedia
fighting infectious / contagious diseases
bacteria, viruses > vaccines, antibiotics
health > microbes, bugs, germs, pathogens > bacteria, bacterial diseases
USA > prescription opioid painkillers
lifestyle / health > smoking, alcohol, diet, obesity
Related > Anglonautes > Science > Medicine > Microbiology > Penicillin, Antibiotics
Alexander Fleming UK 1881-1955
|
|
|