E. Coli Bacteria Infection Symptoms

A discourse about mass food poisoning that led to the death / fatality in several countries in Europe, caused by contamination of the bacterial pathogen (type of bacteria that produce toxins or infectious dose sufficient to cause disease). One of the wide range of pathogenic bacteria is Escherichia coli or better known as E. Coli Bacteria. 

Escherichia coli 

Escherichia coli is a normal microflora in the intestine most warm-blooded animals. These bacteria are classified as Gram-negative, rod-shaped, does not form spores, most are motile (can move) using flagella, which have no capsule, to produce gas from glucose, and can ferment lactose. Most strains are not harmful, but others are pathogenic to humans, such as Enterohaemorragic Escherichia coli (EHEC).

Escherichia coli O157: H7 is a type of the most important and dangerous EHEC associated with public health.

E. coli can get into the human body primarily through consumption of contaminated food, eg raw meat, cooked medium rare meat, raw milk, and fecal contamination in water and food. 

Symptoms of infection: 

Symptoms of disease caused by EHEC are abdominal cramps, diarrhea (in some cases may arise bloody diarrhea), fever, nausea, and vomiting. The incubation period ranges from 3-8 days, whereas in the case of medium ranging from 3-4 days. 

E. Coli Bacteria Infection Symptoms and its Treatment 

Symptom of infections depends on the type of pollutant and the amount ingested. Symptoms of food poisoning bacteria E. coli contaminated usually begins 2-6 hours after eating contaminated food. However, time could be longer (after a few days) or shorter, depending on the contamination of food. Symptoms that may arise include nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (may contain blood), fever and chills, feeling weak and tired, and headache. 

For a common food poisoning, usually the victim will recover after a few days. However, there are several cases of food poisoning is quite dangerous. Infection victims who experienced vomiting and diarrhea that lasts less than 24 hours can usually be treated at home alone. The important thing to note is prevent dehydration by promptly providing drinking water to victims to replace body fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In victims who are still experiencing nausea and vomiting should not be given solid food. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and drinks containing sugar should also be avoided. For further treatment, you should immediately take the victim to the nearest health center or hospital. 

Victims of E. coli infections with diarrhea and are unable to drink (such as nausea and vomiting) will require that a given fluids through an IV. On the handling of food poisoning is rarely needed antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotics can worsen the situation. If the victim of food contaminated are infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people suffering from disorders of the body's defense system (immune) then needs to be taken to the nearest clinic or hospital to get help.