What is E. coli?

About E. coli:

 

• Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals.
• E. coli is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial, some strains can cause illness and infections.
• Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
• Transmission: Pathogenic E. coli can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• How does E. coli make you sick?
  • The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga.
  • This toxin damages the lining of your small intestine and causes diarrhea.
  • These strains of E. coli are also called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
  • The STEC that is most well-known and most often referred to is E. coli O157:H7, or just E. coli O157.
• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms of an E. coli infection can vary depending on the specific strain and severity of the infection.
  • Common symptoms include diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and sometimes fever.
  • In severe cases, E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure and other complications, especially in young children and the elderly.
• Treatment:
  • Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve on their own without treatment. However, it's essential to stay hydrated during the course of the illness.
  • In severe cases or when complications arise, medical attention may be required.

 

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Q1) What are Bacteria?

Bacteria are microscopic living organisms that have only one cell.Their control center, containing the genetic information, is contained in a single loop of DNA. Some bacteria have an extra circle of genetic material called a plasmid rather than a nucleus. Bacteria are classified into five groups according to their basic shapes: spherical (cocci), rod (bacilli), spiral (spirilla), comma (vibrios) or corkscrew (spirochaetes). They can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains or clusters.

Source: E. coli Outbreak in California’s Burney: How Serious Is the Situation in This Small US Town?