Lecture 19- E.Coli

Question 1

What are E.Coli?

Answer 1

Gram negative rods that stain red

Constituent part of large bowel microbiota

Question 2

What is PAMP?

Answer 2

Pathogen associated molecular pattern

Question 3

What infections can E. coli cause?

Answer 3

Intestinal infections (diarrhoea)

UTI
Bloodstream infections etc

Question 4

Type of e.coli that causes diarrhoea?

Answer 4

One is enterotoxic e.coli (ETEC)

Toxins stimulate lining of abdominal wall and it secretes excessive fluid

Onset 1-3 days after exposure and lasts 3-4 days

Question 5

Shiva toxin producing e.coli?

Answer 5

Causes haemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhoea)

Question 6

UTI?

Answer 6

Anatomy of woman makes it much easier to get UTI

Uropathogenic E.Coli migrate from bowel to urethra and bladder to cause cystitis. UTI above bladder called pyelonephritis

Question 7

E.coli bloodstream infections?

Answer 7

Over half occur in patients over the age of 75.

Caused by UTI’s and urinary catheters

Question 8

How to prevent intestinal E.Coli infections?

Answer 8

Avoid raw and undercooked foods and contaminated water etc

Treat with clear liquids and oral rehydration solutions. Avoid antibiotics as may make worse

Commonly used antibiotics are trimethoprim but not shown to be overly effective

Question 9

Treating e.Coli bloodstream infection?

Answer 9

Can use co-amoxaclav but up to 50% of isolates are resistant