E-Coli infection

Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a type of bacteria that is part of the common intestinal flora in animals and humans. There are different types of E.coli, it is what is known in microbiology as "strains", which differs basically by its pathogenic power, that is, to cause diseases. Thus, the aggressiveness of a strain is measured as a function of this potential capacity to produce infections. Escherichia coli can be found in agricultural fertilizers, in the udders of cows, in washing and irrigation waters, in drinking water or in lakes and swimming pools (due to contamination with sewage) and on the hands of food handlers. In this way, the bacteria can contaminate (during handling and processing) foods such as processed meats, dairy products (cheeses, milk, yogurts, etc.), vegetables and fruits in general. The ingestion of these contaminated foods produces the pictures of infectious diarrhea. Most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless. Others can cause infections in man, mainly gastrointestinal and urinary tract. UTIs due to E. Coli are very frequent in the healthy population, generally due to contamination of the urinary tract by fecal flora. These infections are easily treatable with appropriate antibiotics and are not usually serious. Escherichia coli also frequently produces what is known as "traveler's diarrhea", which is manifested by fever and watery stools, it usually heals spontaneously in about 3-5 days and the treatment is basically with fluid replacement. A separate case is the infections caused by a very aggressive strain of E.coli, O157: H7, which produces a more severe inflammatory diarrhea and can be complicated by a hemolytic-uremic syndrome (a severe acute anemia accompanied by a kidney function failure). Fortunately, they are rare. The diagnosis of E.coli infection is made by microbiological study, that is, the isolation of the microorganism in patient samples (feces, urine). Its treatment will depend on its severity and the type of strain that causes it, requiring in general terms symptomatic treatment that includes: fluid replacement and hydration of the patient, antipyretics and other support measures (such as dialysis in the case of kidney failure in the most severe cases). serious).

Recommendations to minimize the risks of contagion in the general population include:

• Careful washing of raw foods (such as fruits and vegetables) and preferably peeling them.
• In the case of meat products, cook them very well (over 70º), avoiding being raw.
• Avoid the contact of some foods with others (especially meat) in the refrigerator.
• Extreme hygiene rules in the kitchen: always wash your hands well before handling food and keep the surfaces on which you cook very clean (soap and water).
• Avoid drinking water that is not bottled and natural juices in places where hygiene conditions are questionable.
• Drink only pasteurized milk that ensures the elimination of any bacteria.