Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)
Escherichia coli part of normal intestinal flora of human.
E.coli also called coliform as it can ferment lactose.
E.coli is responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI).
Morphology
Gram -ve bacillus, motile, non - sporing, non capsulated, rod shaped having pilli.
Size; 1.3 micrometre X 0.4-0.7 micrometre in size.
Characteristics
It is an aerobes and facultative anaerobes and grow in ordinary medium.
Optimum temperature range 10- 40 degree Celsius in 18- 24 hours.
Produce surface antigens and toxins.
Sources and mode of Transmission
Contaminated food and water major source of infection.
Person to person contact.
Mode of Transmission is fecal oral route.
Pathogenesis
E. Coli is responsible for four major types of clinical infection.
1. Urinary tract infection
Originate in intestine cause UTI.
2. Diarrhea and dysentery
3. Septicemia
Bloodstream infection
4. Pyrogenic infection
Cause wound infection, peritonitis and neonatal meningitis.
Laboratory Diagnosis
Specimen collection
Smear examination
Gram staining and microscopic examination
Cultural characteristics and culture
Biochemical test
Serogical test
ELISA
Treatment
For UTI, ciprofloxacin, fluoroquinolones and trimethoprin are effective;
Fluid and electrolyte balance.
For infant meningitis cephalosporins and cefotaxime are effective.
Prevention
The disease should be prevention by increase fluid intake.
Oral rehydration therapy is given to the patient.
Proper hand washing plays an important role in prevention.
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