There are different types of E.coli bacteria. A certain type causes bowel infection. It comes from contact with the stools of infected people and animals. The bacteria enters the mouth and passes to the digestive tract. This can happen from:

Eating contaminated foods, especially:
- Undercooked ground beef
- Processed meats
- Raw foods
Drinking contaminated water
Drinking unpasteurized milk
Touching a contaminated animal or object

Digestive Pathway Through Stomach and Intestines

Risk Factors

E. coli infections are more common in children under 5 years old.

Other things that raise the risk are:

Close contact a person infected with E. coli
Being at the site of a food-related outbreak, such as:
- A hotel or cruise ship
- Restaurant or catered event
Contact with animals

Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli infection include:

Diarrhea that turns bloody
Severe belly cramps
Fever
Thirst
Passing only small amounts of urine
Feeling tired and weak
Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A sample of stool may be tested. It will confirm the diagnosis.

If symptoms are severe, blood and urine tests may be done.

Treatment

Most people get better in 5 to 10 days. Treatment may include fluids by mouth or IV. Severe infections or other problems may need further care.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of an E. coli infection:

Follow proper guidelines for:
- Handwashing
- Food safety

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
https://www.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

E. coli infection. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/e-coli-infection. Accessed March 31, 2021.

E. coli (Escherichia coli). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli (EHEC) infection. . EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/enterohemorrhagic-escherichia-coli-ehec-infection. Accessed March 31, 2021.

Yang SC, Lin CH, et al. Current pathogenic Escherichia coli foodborne outbreak cases and therapy development. Arch Microbiol. 2017;199(6):811-825.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 3/31/2021

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