Escherichia
Escherichia coli: A Comprehensive Overview
Description
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the lower intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. It is a diverse species, with some strains being harmless or even beneficial, while others can cause a range of illnesses, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal distress, and more severe systemic infections.
E. coli typically has a rod-shaped morphology and is classified as a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive with or without oxygen. It ferments carbohydrates to produce energy and is a part of the normal human gut microbiome.
Associated Diseases
E. coli can cause various health conditions, depending on the strain and the route of infection. Common diseases associated with E. coli include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): One of the most frequent infections caused by E. coli is urinary tract infections, which can range from mild bladder infections (cystitis) to more serious kidney infections (pyelonephritis).
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain strains of E. coli can cause gastrointestinal infections, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
- Sepsis: In rare cases, E. coli can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can lead to organ damage or death.
- Meningitis: Although uncommon, E. coli can also cause meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord.
Did you Know ?
Worldwide, E. coli is estimated to cause approximately 1 billion episodes of diarrhea annually, leading to around 300,000 deaths among children under the age of 5.
