E. coli enteritis
Definition
E. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It is the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea.
Alternative Names
Traveler's diarrhea - E. coli; Food poisoning - E. coli; E. coli diarrhea; Hamburger diseaseCauses
E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis.
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.
References
Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2006.
Guerrant RL. Escherichia enteric infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap. 327.
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