Escherichia Coli (E.coli) Flashcards
What bacteria is shown in the following gram stain?
E.coli: Gram Negative rods
Where does e. coli form part of the bpdy’s microbiota?
Large bowel
E.coli can use sugar lactose as an energy source.
What does it produce as a waste product?
Lactic acid
Name some infections which can be caused by E. coli. (in general terms)
- Intestinal infections
- Toxin-mediated disease
- Extra-intestinal infections
- Urinary tract
- Intra-abdominal
- Biliary tract
- Bloodstream
- Neonatal meningitis
Specific disease causing strains of E coli
How many pathotypes of diarrhoeagenic bacteria are there?
6
What is ETEC?
Enterotoxigenic E coli
What is the leading cause of travelers’ diarrhoea?
- ETEC (Enterotoxigenic E coli)
(common in lower-income countries)
How is ETEC transmitted?
Faeco-oral transmission
What toxins does ETEC produce?
Heat-stable (ST)
Heat-labile (LT)
How does ETEC cause symptoms?
Toxins stimulate lining of intestines
–> causes them to:
- Secrete excessive fluid
What are the symptoms of an ETEC infection?
- Watery diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Bloating
(Less common)
How long does it take for the onset of symptoms from an ETEC infection and how long does it usually last?
Onset: 1-3 days
Lasts: 3-4 days
What is EPEC?
Eneteropathogenic e.coli
What is does STEC stand for?
Shiga toxin-producing E.coli
What does STEC cause?
- Haemorrahgic colitis (bloody diarrhoea)
- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS= acute renal failure, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia)
How do e.coli eneter the bladder?
Uropathogenic e.coli
Transferred from rectum to urethra
Migrate to bladder
Cause cystitis
Differentiate betwen e.coli and pyelonephritis
