What is E.coli?
Tuesday 22 September 2009
E.coli has been in the news a lot recently. Find out more about the bug and how to protect yourself.
About bacteria
Bacteria are organisms that can be found all over the environment. They’re in and on your body and plants - everywhere.
There are good and bad types of bacteria. The good types help keep your immune system healthy and fight off illnesses like cold and flu. However, bad bacteria can attack your body, such as your skin, cells and blood, and can make you sick.
What is E.coli?
E.coli are a type of bacteria that commonly live in all animals and humans. The bacteria live inside the intestines and, like many other forms of bacteria, are harmless at first. In fact, they can help keep you healthy. E.coli in human intestine produce vitamin K which is vital to help wounds heal properly.
However, E.coli can also live outside of the body and can then be harmful. If the bacteria escape from the intestine they could cause an infection.
How does infection occur?
An infection can be caught in different ways.
E.coli can leave the human body through waste. If contact is made with the waste and the person doesn't wash their hands then an infection can be caught.
It's also possible to catch an infection by eating contaminated meat. Occasionally, meat may not be slaughtered to hygienic standards. Whilst it is being ground or cut, E.coli in the intestine can occasionally escape and contaminate the raw meat. If it is then not thoroughly cooked, infection is possible.
E.coli can also get into water. Streams, lakes and rivers can all be contaminated with E.coli and can be harmful if drunk.
Direct contact with infected animals can also cause infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms are diarrhoea, really bad stomach cramps and vomiting.
Rarely, E.coli can also cause severe health problems. Between five to 10 per cent of infected people catch a strain of E.coli that affects their kidneys.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the strain you are infected with.
A lot of fluid is lost through diarrhoea so it’s important to stay hydrated. Don’t take any medication for diarrhoea either, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. If anything, you could be preventing E.coli from escaping your body.
Some infections are treated with short courses of antibiotics, and the symptoms usually disappear within a week.
How can I prevent E.coli?
Wash your hands! Always make sure you soap, rinse and dry your hands properly after going to the toilet, or petting animals. You should also do this before you prepare and eat food.
Rare beef may be tasty, but it can be risky too. It is better to cook your meat thoroughly, especially if it is ground.
It's also best not to drink water from swimming pools, lakes or rivers.
