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E. coli enteritis

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Definition:

E. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli ( E. coli) bacteria.

Alternative Names:

Traveler's diarrhea - E. coli; Food poisoning - E. coli; E. coli diarrhea; Hamburger disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

• Review Date: 11/7/2005
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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