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E. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli ( E. coli) bacteria.
E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis . The symptoms are a result of toxins or bacterial invasion into the intestine. The incubation period (the time it takes for the germ to cause illness) is 24 - 72 hours. In adults, the infection is usually not severe. However, in children and infants, the infection frequently requires hospitalization and in some cases is life-threatening.
Certain types of E. coli infection are associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome , a disease marked by destruction of the red blood cells, drastic decrease in the platelets , and acute kidney failure .
Risk factors include recent family illness with E. coli , recent family illness with vomiting or diarrhea, eating unsanitary food, or drinking untreated or contaminated water. Travel to places that may not have clean drinking water is also a risk factor.
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