Escherichia coli and frequency therapy

Definition:

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped that occurs naturally in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless and play an important role in the digestive tract, some pathogenic strains can cause serious infections.

Characteristics:

- Gram-negative:
E. coli has a characteristic cell wall structure that reacts negatively to Gram staining.

- Facultative anaerobic:
Can grow both in the presence and absence of oxygen.

- Diversity:
There are many different strains of E. coli with different characteristics and pathogenicity mechanisms.

Pathogenic strains:

Some strains of E. coli are pathogenic and can cause disease, including:

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC):
Causes diarrhoea, especially in infants in developing countries.
Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC):
Common cause of traveller's diarrhoea.
Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC):
Causes bloody diarrhoea and can lead to serious complications such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). One known strain is E. coli O157:H7.
Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC):
Cause a disease similar to bacterial dysentery.
Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC):
Common cause of urinary tract infections.

transmission:

Food and water:
Consumption of contaminated food or water, especially raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurised dairy products.
Faecal-oral:
Direct or indirect contact with faeces of infected persons or animals.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary by strain and site of infection, but may include:

- Diarrhoea (watery or bloody)
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- For urinary tract infections: Burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is made by detecting E. coli in stool samples, urine or other body fluids using microbiological cultures and specific tests to identify pathogenic strains.

Treatment:

- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration is critical.

- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases or for certain infections, although they should be avoided for EHEC infections as they can increase the risk of complications.

Prevention:

Thorough cooking of meat and pasteurisation of dairy products.
Regular hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
Avoid contaminated water and food.

Worth knowing:

E. coli is an important model organism in microbiology and genetics.
Most E. coli strains are harmless and contribute to normal intestinal flora.

Research:

Research on E. coli is focussed on developing new diagnostic methods, improving the treatment of infections and understanding the mechanisms that influence pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance.