Where do intestinal infections come from? Violation of hygiene standards. Pathogenic varieties of bacteria

Intestinal infection is one of the most unpleasant species diseases. Most often this problem is encountered in the summer and during the holidays. How to make sure that life is not overshadowed by staying in the hospital instead of the beach?

Spreaders of the disease can be, for example, catering establishments that do not comply with sanitary standards, in addition, a whole bunch of bacteria are waiting for us on the railings. public transport, on door handles and faucets of public toilets, etc. In general, you can catch an infection in any public place, if you do not follow the rules of elementary hygiene known to many since childhood, in particular:

1. Do not drink raw water from anywhere or from the tap, especially in new or unfamiliar places.
2. You can not eat freshly bought vegetables and fruits. It is not known in what conditions they were kept, and who touched them before.
3. It is unacceptable to store uncovered food if there are flies in the room.

What causes illness?

The human body is able to cope with a fairly large number of microbes and bacteria that get inside. Food is initially exposed to saliva, which performs the primary antibacterial treatment. Bacteria that managed to survive at the same time, further fall under even more strong impact gastric juice. If it was possible to survive there, then the harmful bacteria must endure the final battle in the human intestine. And if they have good survivability, then a person becomes ill under the influence of toxins that these microorganisms produce.

Symptoms of an intestinal infection:

• The temperature rises to 39 degrees. At this stage, the infection is often confused with ARI.
• "Bone breaks." Here they begin to think about ordinary fatigue or the beginning of the flu.
• Vision may deteriorate. This symptom may indicate botulism, the most severe type of poisoning.
• Contractions in the lower abdomen often accompanied by aching pain.
• Diarrhea, vomiting. Such symptoms are quite dangerous, since they result in significant dehydration of the body.
• Headache.

The symptoms appear to be varied. They appear 6-48 hours after eating contaminated foods or other contact with the infection.

How to be treated?

It is important to remember that in an intestinal infection, the symptoms are quite similar to ordinary poisoning, such as mushrooms. And don't start self-medicating. A doctor should make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If the signs of the disease are not too pronounced, then at the first stage you need to contact a gastroenterologist. With vomiting, severe diarrhea, headaches, etc., call an ambulance.

The patient should be isolated from other people as far as possible. Tableware, bed sheets, towels must be separate. They must not be touched, in particular by children. If the patient is conscious, gastric lavage will not hurt. You can simply drink enough water and then induce vomiting. In the presence of such a condition as chills, the patient must be well covered.

If the arrival of a doctor is not expected in the very near future, then enterosorbents can be taken. When the doctor is already on the way, then no action to self-treatment you should not take it, otherwise it will be more difficult for the doctor to make a diagnosis, and therefore, prescribe the appropriate treatment.

After all possible measures have been taken to eliminate the source of infection, further treatment will consist in careful observance of a diet. For some time you will have to eat cereals boiled in water. You can drink sweet tea dairy products. It is worth temporarily excluding black bread, cabbage, soybeans, peas, corn, beans from the diet, all that can cause fermentation in the stomach.

When registering with antenatal clinic during pregnancy, the gynecologist must prescribe a lot various analyzes. They are also carried out in the third trimester, closer to childbirth. This measure makes it possible to identify hidden infections, respectively, in time to prescribe their treatment.

Urine and smear tests can determine the presence of infections caused by pathogenic and opportunistic pathogens including E. coli. These types of microbes can cause irreparable harm to the fetus and the expectant mother. It is very important to undergo examinations and examinations on time. This will protect yourself and your unborn child from danger.

Where does E. coli come from in the body?

This bacterium belongs to opportunistic pathogens. It is always present in the intestinal microflora, helps to synthesize vitamin K and prevent the development of pathogenic flora.

However, her certain types cause poisoning, colibacillosis and intestinal infections, dysbacteriosis. Some varieties affect the genitourinary system, causing cystitis, colpitis, mastitis, peritonitis, pneumonia, and even sepsis.

The defeat of pathogenic intestinal microbes occurs mainly due to pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the pancreas and intestines, after taking antibiotics. Infection with pathogenic strains occurs mainly by the fecal-oral route.

We will talk about the reasons for the appearance of E. coli in the urine and smear below.

E. coli found during pregnancy

The immune defense of the body during the period of bearing a child is significantly reduced, so infections often occur. different kind. These can lead to premature birth or the outflow of amniotic fluid, which in turn will provoke infection of the baby. In addition, he may develop diseases that will affect appearance, health. Some of these ailments are incompatible with life.

coli in the cervical canal can penetrate the placenta, then into the blood of the fetus, leading to meningitis. And when it enters the urinary canal, it moves deeper, causing inflammation of the bladder. This leads to an even greater decrease in immunity, as a result of which a woman becomes more vulnerable to other diseases.

E. coli found in urine during pregnancy

A general analysis of urine reveals inflammation. That is why it must be taken regularly throughout the entire gestation period. If the results confirm the presence of pathology, the woman is sent for bacterial analysis urine for flora (bakposev) in order to identify the causative agent of inflammation, determine its sensitivity to antibiotics and, accordingly, prescribe the correct treatment.

It is worth noting that the infection could enter the body before conception. It happens that she does not show herself in any way. A woman may not be aware of the presence of pathology. There is also such a problem as improper sampling of material for research.

Where does E. coli appear in the urine:

1. bad intimate hygiene, for example, when washing anus to the vagina
2. Anal-vaginal intercourse;
3. Regular wearing of thong panties;
4. Intensive growth of the uterus.

E. coli found in a smear during pregnancy

If the natural microflora of the vagina is disturbed, it means that there are also pathological changes. Therefore, treatment is always complex. It should be noted that inflammation caused by pathogenic microorganisms is accompanied by abundant vaginal discharge With bad smell, itching and burning of the external genitalia, as well as pain during sexual intercourse.

E. coli in bakposev from the cervical canal during pregnancy

Bacterial seeding allows you to identify the culture of the causative agent of inflammation, i.e., accurately identify it. With the help of this analysis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, enterobacteria, fungi, etc. are detected in the cervical canal.

Bacterial examination is not paramount, that is, it is preceded by a standard smear for sterility, which shows the concentration of leukocytes. If there are quite a lot of the latter in the area of ​​the cervix, then bakposev is necessary.

The reason for the increase in the concentration of leukocytes are inflammatory diseases in the pelvic organs: adnexitis, endometritis, cervicitis, etc.

Sexually transmitted infections can provoke inflammation. They can also be identified using this material collection technology, but laboratory diagnostics is different.

How is urine and E. coli smear taken?

Bacteriological culture

During the collection of material from cervical canal a probe is inserted into it ½ - 1 ½ cm deep. The procedure does not affect the course of pregnancy in any way, since the cervix is ​​​​quite long.

Special preparation for the analysis of E. coli is not required. It is recommended that at least 2 weeks before the date of the study, stop taking topical antibiotics and systemic action. You also can't douche. Before the analysis, it is not recommended to urinate. Results usually become known in 2-3 days.

Analysis of urine

It is recommended to collect urine in special sterile containers, which are sold in any pharmacy. Collect material in the morning, immediately after waking up. It must be handed over no later than 2 hours after collection. Before the procedure, they are thoroughly washed, it is better to close the vagina with a special swab. The jar for analysis is opened just before collection. The analysis requires an average portion of urine. During the procedure, fingers should not touch top edge banks.

The rate of Escherichia coli in the urine and treatment during pregnancy

Normally, the indicators do not exceed 105 sticks in 1 ml of urine. At the same time, an increase in its concentration does not always indicate a pathology, because the reasons may be hidden in the banal incorrect collection of material for research.

If there are symptoms indicating an inflammatory process, then the rate is reduced to 104 sticks per 1 ml. At the same time, the concentration of leukocytes is also taken into account.

For example, with an exacerbation of cystitis, an increase in temperature and the presence of other symptoms, the number of sticks is at least 102.

As for treatment, many women refuse therapy or are very afraid of it. This is because medical preparations can harm the baby, but it must be borne in mind that a neglected infection is much more dangerous and can lead to its intrauterine death. In addition, many drugs have been developed that are approved in minimum doses during the gestation period.

The gynecologist will definitely weigh all the risks. Accordingly, the safest drug is always taken.

The only way to get rid of E. coli is by taking antibiotics. It can be amoxicillin, cefotoxime or penicillin. Also, the doctor may prescribe furagin, which is allowed for the entire gestation period, except for the last 4 weeks.

E. coli - diseases, transmission routes, symptoms intestinal infections and diseases urinary tract(in a woman, in a man, in a child), methods of treatment. Detection of the bacterium in a urine sample and in a vaginal swab

Thanks

coli called in Latin Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is a kind bacteria, which includes pathogenic and non-pathogenic varieties. Pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli cause infectious and inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, urinary and reproductive systems in men and women. And non-pathogenic varieties of bacteria live in the human intestine as representatives of the normal microflora.

Brief description and varieties of Escherichia coli

All varieties of Escherichia coli are resistant to environmental factors, and therefore can remain viable for a long time in water, soil and fecal matter. At the same time, Escherichia coli die when boiled and exposed to formalin, bleach, phenol, sublimate, sodium hydroxide and 1% carbolic acid solution.

Bacteria multiply quickly and well in food, especially in milk, and therefore eating contaminated and seeded with E. coli dishes causes infection with the subsequent development of an infectious disease. inflammatory disease.

Non-pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli) are part of normal microflora human intestines. They appear in the human intestine in the first days after birth in the process of its settlement with normal microflora, and persist throughout life. Normally, the contents of the human large intestine should contain 10 6 -10 8 CFU / g of Escherichia coli, and in feces- 10 7 -10 8 CFU / g of typical Escherichia coli and not more than 10 5 CFU / g of its lactose-negative varieties. In addition, hemolytic Escherichia coli should be absent in the normal contents of the colon and feces. If the content of bacteria is higher or lower than the specified norms, then this indicates dysbacteriosis.

Although the share of Escherichia coli among all other representatives of the microflora is only 1%, the role of these bacteria is very important for normal operation digestive tract. Firstly, Escherichia coli, colonizing the intestines, compete with other pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, preventing them from settling in the lumen of the colon, thereby preventing various infectious and inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Secondly, E. coli utilize oxygen, which is detrimental and harmful to lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which make up the rest, most intestinal microflora. That is, thanks to E. coli, the survival of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is ensured, which, in turn, are vital for the functioning of the intestines and digestion of food. After all, if there are no lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, the food will not be completely digested, it will begin to rot and ferment in the intestinal lumen, which will lead to serious illness, exhaustion and, ultimately, death.

Thirdly, E. coli as a result of their vital activity produce substances vital for the body, such as B vitamins (B 1, B 2, B 3, B 5, B 6, B 9, B 12), vitamin K and biotin , as well as acetic, formic, lactic and succinic acid. The production of vitamins allows you to provide most of the daily requirement organism in them, as a result of which all cells and organs work normally and as efficiently as possible. Acetic, formic, lactic and succinic acid On the one hand, they provide the acidity of the environment necessary for the life of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and on the other hand, they are utilized in metabolic processes. In addition, Escherichia coli are involved in the metabolism of cholesterol, bilirubin, choline, bile acids and promote the absorption of iron and calcium.

Unfortunately, among the varieties of Escherichia coli, there are also pathogenic ones, which, when they enter the intestines, cause infectious and inflammatory diseases.

E. coli under a microscope - video

Pathogenic varieties of bacteria

• Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPKP or ETEC);
• Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC);
• Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC or EIEC);
• Enterohemorrhagic (hemolytic) Escherichia coli (EHEC or EHEC).

"Traveler's diarrhea" is characterized by watery, loose stools and most commonly occurs in people who have traveled warm time years in developing countries where there are no normal sanitary standards for the storage and preparation of food. This intestinal infection resolves on its own after a few days and does not require treatment, since the immune system The human body successfully destroys pathogenic E. coli.

Enterohemorrhagic (hemolytic, hemolyzing) Escherichia coli causes hemorrhagic colitis in children and adults or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Both diseases require treatment.

E. coli: features of the genome, causes of outbreaks of intestinal diseases, how bacteria acquire pathogenic properties - video

What diseases are caused by E. coli?

Pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli, when released into the gastrointestinal tract, cause intestinal infections and hemolytic uremic syndrome in children and adults. Intestinal infections can occur as hemorrhagic colitis, enteritis, food poisoning, or traveler's diarrhea.

Wherein enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) cause mainly enterocolitis (intestinal infections) in children of the first year of life, and the infection, as a rule, occurs in the form of an outbreak in preschool institutions, maternity hospitals and hospitals. Pathogenic strains of E. coli are transmitted to children through household contact through the hands of women who have given birth and medical personnel, as well as with non-sterile instruments (spatulas, thermometers, etc.). Also, enteropathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning in children of the first year of life who are bottle-fed if they get into milk formulas prepared with non-compliance with sanitary standards and hygiene rules.

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) cause intestinal infections in children older than a year and adults, which proceed according to the type of dysentery. Transmission of infection usually occurs through contaminated water and food. Most often, such dysentery-like infections occur in the warm season, when the frequency of consumption or accidental ingestion of dirty unboiled water and food prepared and stored in violation of sanitary standards increases.

Cause intestinal infections in children older than 2 years and adults, proceeding like cholera. As a rule, these infections are widespread in countries with a hot climate and poor sanitary conditions the life of the population. In countries former USSR such infections are usually imported, they are "brought" by people returning from vacation or business trips to hot areas. Usually, infection with these intestinal infections occurs through the use of contaminated water and food.

Enteropathogenic, enteroinvasive and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli severe course intestinal infections caused by them can lead to the development of complications, such as otitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis and sepsis. As a rule, such complications occur in children of the first year of life or in the elderly, whose immune system does not effectively destroy pathogenic microbes.

Enterohemorrhagic (hemolytic) Escherichia coli cause severe intestinal infections in children older than a year and adults, which proceed according to the type of hemorrhagic colitis. In severe hemorrhagic colitis, a complication may develop - hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by a triad - hemolytic anemia, renal failure and a critical decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. HUS usually develops 7 to 10 days after an intestinal infection.

In addition, hemolytic Escherichia coli can lead to the development of neuritis and kidney disease in children and adults if it enters the urinary tract or bloodstream. Infection occurs through water and food.

In addition to intestinal infections, E. coli can cause diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems in men and women, provided that they get to the appropriate authorities. Moreover, organ diseases genitourinary system in men and women, they can cause not only pathogenic, but also non-pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli. As a rule, the entry of E. coli into the genital and urinary organs occurs when personal hygiene is not observed, wearing tight underwear or anal intercourse.

When E. coli enters the urinary tract of both men and women, inflammatory diseases of the urethra, bladder and kidneys develop, such as urethritis, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

The entry of E. coli into the urethra of a man leads to the development of inflammatory diseases not only of the urinary organs, but also of the reproductive system, since microbes can rise through the urethra both to the kidneys, and to the testicles and the prostate gland. Accordingly, infection of the male urethra with Escherichia coli in the future can lead to chronic prostatitis, orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis).

The entry of E. coli into the vagina of women is the cause of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs. And, first of all, E. coli causes colpitis or vulvovaginitis. In the future, if E. coli is not destroyed and removed from the vagina, the bacteria can rise into the uterus, from where it can travel through the fallopian tubes to the ovaries. In the event that E. coli enter the uterus, the woman will develop endometritis, if in the ovaries - adnexitis. If from the fallopian tubes E. coli get into abdominal cavity in in large numbers, this can lead to the development of peritonitis.

Diseases of the urinary and genital organs caused by E. coli can last for years and are difficult to treat.

Ways of transmission of infection

Contact household way the spread of Escherichia coli is less common and plays highest value for the development of outbreaks of escherichiosis in communities, for example, in hospitals, maternity hospitals, kindergartens, schools, families, etc. With the contact-household route, Escherichia coli can be transmitted from mother to newborn child when the latter passes through the birth canal contaminated with bacteria. In addition, bacteria can be transferred to various objects (eg dishes, spatulas, etc.) by unwashed hands, the use of which leads to infection of children and adults.

coli in women

Important for women are infections urinary organs , also caused by Escherichia coli, because they are long, painful and difficult to treat. That is, in addition to intestinal infections, pathological and non-pathological Escherichia coli can cause severe, long-term chronic diseases urinary and genital organs, as well as blood poisoning or meningitis, provided that they enter the urethra, vagina or bloodstream. E. coli can penetrate into the urogenital organs from feces, in which they are normally contained in a fairly large amount.

E. coli can enter the urethra and vagina in the following ways:

• Non-observance of hygiene (a woman does not wash herself regularly, the remains of feces after bowel movements accumulate on the skin of the perineum, anus and genitals, etc.);
• Wearing too tight underwear (in this case, the skin of the perineum sweats and particles of feces remaining on the skin of the anus after defecation move to the entrance to the vagina, eventually falling into it);
• Incorrect washing technique (a woman washes first the anus area, and then the same dirty hand washes the external genitalia);
• A specific technique of sexual intercourse, in which penetration occurs first into the rectum, and then into the vagina (in this case, particles of feces with E. coli remain on the penis or sexual toys after penetration into the rectum, which are brought into the vagina);
• Ordinary vaginal intercourse with ejaculation in the vagina with a man suffering from chronic prostatitis, orchitis or epididymitis caused by E. coli (in this case, E. coli, carried by her sexual partner, enters the woman's vagina with sperm).

Inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs in women, provoked by E. coli, are long-term, prone to chronicity and difficult to treat. Often a subacute inflammatory process occurs in the body, in which there are no clear and noticeable symptoms, as a result of which a woman considers herself healthy, although in fact she is a carrier chronic infection. With such a subacute, erased course of infection, any slightest hypothermia of the body, stress, or other sharp effect leading to a decrease in immunity will become an impetus for the transition of inflammation into an active and noticeable form. It is the carriage of Escherichia coli that explains chronic recurrent cystitis, pyelonephritis, colpitis and endometritis, which worsen in women with the slightest cold and do not disappear within years despite ongoing therapy.

coli in men

But inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract caused by Escherichia coli play a much greater role in a man's life, as they negatively affect the quality of life and are the cause of a progressive deterioration in sexual and urinary function. Unfortunately, these diseases are almost always chronic, sluggish and very difficult to treat.

Inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs in men are caused by Escherichia coli if it manages to penetrate the urethra (urethra) of the man's penis. Typically, this happens when anal sex without a condom or vaginal intercourse with a woman whose vagina is contaminated with E. coli.

After penetration into the urethra, E. coli provokes acute urethritis, which subsides without treatment within a few days, but this happens not because there is a self-healing, but because the infection goes into chronic form and the severity of the symptomatology is simply reduced. That is, if acute urethritis, provoked by E. coli in a man, is not cured, then the infection will become chronic, and the bacterium will not just remain in the urethra, but will enter other organs of the reproductive and urinary systems.

It must be understood that E. coli cannot be removed from the urethra without treatment with regular urination alone, since the bacterium is able to adhere tightly to the mucous membrane and not be washed away by the stream of urine. Over time, E. coli from the urethra rise to the overlying organs of the man, such as the bladder, kidneys, prostate, testicles and epididymis, and cause a chronic inflammatory process in them.

In men, E. coli from the urethra more often penetrates into the genitals, and not into the urinary tract. As a result, they are much less likely than women to suffer from cystitis and pyelonephritis, provoked by E. coli. But men very often suffer from chronic, long-term and difficult to treat prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis, which are also due to the fact that E. coli has penetrated into these organs from the urethra and periodically causes exacerbations. Suffice it to say that at least 2/3 of chronic prostatitis in men over 35 years old are caused by Escherichia coli.

In the presence of E. coli in the genitals of a man, just like in women, it will be activated after the slightest episode of hypothermia or stress, causing an exacerbation of prostatitis, orchitis or epididymitis. Such inflammatory diseases are difficult to treat, and a man is their constant carrier, experiencing episodic painful exacerbations that stubbornly do not go away, despite ongoing therapy.

A man who has become a carrier of chronic coli infection of the genital organs is also a source of infection and a cause frequent cystitis, pyelonephritis and colpitis in their sexual partners. The point is that at chronic prostatitis, provoked by Escherichia coli, the latter always enters the sperm along with other components produced by the prostate gland. And as a result of the ejaculation of such infected sperm in the woman's vagina, E. coli is introduced into her genital tract. Further, E. coli enter the urethra or remain in the vagina and cause, respectively, cystitis or colpitis. Moreover, episodes of cystitis or colpitis appear after almost every sexual intercourse with a male partner, whose sperm is seeded with E. coli.

The statistics of the past 30 - 40 years indicates that 90 - 95% of all defloration cystitis that occurs after the first sexual intercourse in a girl's life are caused by Escherichia coli. This means that a virgin girl, having first sexual intercourse, becomes infected with E. coli from the sperm of a man who is her carrier, as a result of which she develops cystitis, since the bladder is the organ where bacteria can easily enter.

E. coli during pregnancy

The appearance of a bacterium does not mean that a woman is necessarily sick, but indicates that her genital tract or urinary system seeded with Escherichia coli that can provoke an inflammatory process at any time. Therefore, even in the absence of symptoms of the disease, gynecologists leading the pregnancy prescribe antibiotics to destroy the bacteria. After all, if E. coli remains in the urine, then sooner or later this will lead to the appearance of pyelonephritis or cystitis in a pregnant woman. If E. coli remains in the vagina, then this can lead to colpitis, which, as you know, can provoke premature rupture of amniotic fluid. In addition, the presence of E. coli in the vagina before childbirth is a danger to the fetus, since the child can become infected with the germ during passage through the mother's birth canal. And such infection of the infant can lead to the development serious illnesses, such as sepsis, meningitis, otitis or intestinal infection, which are deadly for a newborn.

Thus, it is clear that the detection of E. coli in a vaginal swab or in the urine of a pregnant woman requires mandatory treatment even if there are no symptoms of an inflammatory process in the kidneys, bladder, urethra or vagina. During pregnancy, the following antibiotics can be used to destroy E. coli:

• Amoxiclav - can be used throughout pregnancy;
• Cefotaxime - can be used only from the 27th week of pregnancy until childbirth;
• Cefepime - can be used only from the 13th week of pregnancy until childbirth;
• Ceftriaxone - can only be used from the 13th week of pregnancy until childbirth;
• Furagin - can be used until the 38th week of pregnancy, and from 38 to childbirth - it is impossible;
• All antibiotics of the penicillin group.

E. coli in the baby

However, if a hemolytic Escherichia coli is detected in a baby, one should not rush to start antibiotic treatment. To understand whether it is necessary to treat the baby, you should objectively assess his condition. So, if the child normally gains weight, develops, eats well and does not suffer from watery stools yellow color, coming out of the anus of the child literally with a jet, then it is not necessary to treat the baby, since therapy is necessary only if there are symptoms, and not numbers in the tests. If the child loses or does not gain weight, suffers from watery, yellow, fetid stools, escaping with a jet, then this indicates an intestinal infection, and in this case, the E. coli found in the analyzes should be treated.

Lactose-negative Escherichia coli may well be present in the feces of the baby, since it is a component of the normal microflora, and normally can be up to 5% of the total number of all Escherichia coli present in the intestine. Therefore, the detection of lactose-negative Escherichia coli in the feces of a baby is not dangerous, even if its amount exceeds the norms indicated by the laboratory, provided that the child is gaining weight and developing normally. Accordingly, it is not necessary to treat lactose-negative E. coli found in the analyzes of the baby if it grows and develops. If the baby is not gaining or losing weight, then it is necessary to treat lactose-negative E. coli.

Symptoms of infection

And intestinal infections caused by pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli can proceed in different ways, so we will describe their symptoms in detail. Moreover, in this section we will describe the symptoms that occur in adults and children over three years old, since it is from this age that intestinal infections in babies proceed in the same way as in adults. Separately, in following sections Let us describe the symptoms of intestinal infections caused by pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli in children under 3 years of age, since they do not proceed in the same way as in adults.

So, colpitis, provoked by Escherichia coli, proceeds quite typically - a woman has abundant foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and an unpleasant sensation when urinating.

Cystitis both men and women also have a typical course - pain and cramps appear when trying to urinate and there are frequent urge to urinate. When going to the toilet, it stands out a small amount of urine, sometimes with blood impurities.

Pyelonephritis occurs more often in women, and proceeds with pain in the kidneys and unpleasant sensations during urination.

Urethritis both men and women also have a typical course - itching appears in the urethra, the skin around it turns red, and during urination, sharp pain and burning are felt.

Prostatitis in men it is characterized by pain in the prostate, difficulty urinating and deterioration of sexual function.

Intestinal infections caused by various types of pathogenic Escherichia coli occur with different symptoms, so we will consider them separately.

So, intestinal infections caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, in adults and children older than 3 years, they proceed according to the type of salmonellosis. That is, the disease begins acutely, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain appear, body temperature rises moderately or slightly. The chair becomes liquid, watery and plentiful, and the patient goes to the toilet 2-6 times a day. During bowel movements, stools literally splatter. The infection lasts an average of 3 to 6 days, after which recovery occurs.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli cause intestinal infections called "traveler's diarrhea", and proceeding according to the type of salmonellosis or a mild form of cholera. A person first shows signs of intoxication (fever, headache, general weakness and lethargy), moderately expressed, and to them for short span time, pains in the abdomen in the region of the stomach and navel join, nausea, vomiting and profuse liquid stool. The stools are watery, free of blood and mucus, profuse, streaming out of the intestines. If the infection occurred in countries with a tropical climate, then a person may have fever, chills, muscle and joint pain. An intestinal infection lasts on average 1 to 5 days, after which recovery occurs.

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli provoke intestinal infections, along the course similar to dysentery. A person's body temperature rises moderately, headache and weakness appear, appetite disappears, severe pain develops in the left lower abdomen, which are accompanied by copious watery stools mixed with blood. Unlike dysentery, the stools are copious, not scanty, with mucus and blood. The infection lasts 7-10 days, after which recovery occurs.

They cause intestinal infections that proceed according to the type of hemorrhagic colitis and occur mainly in children. The infection begins with mild fever and intoxication (headache, weakness, loss of appetite), followed by nausea, vomiting, and watery stools. In severe cases, on the 3rd - 4th day of the disease, abdominal pain develops, the stool remains liquid, but it happens much more often, and streaks of blood appear in the feces. Sometimes the stool consists entirely of pus and blood without fecal matter. As a rule, the infection lasts for a week, after which self-healing occurs. But in severe cases, hemolytic-uremic syndrome may develop on the 7-10th day after the cessation of diarrhea.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) manifested by anemia, the number of platelets decreases to critical numbers and acute renal failure appears. HUS is a severe complication of an intestinal infection because, in addition to anemia, kidney failure, and decreased platelet count, a person may develop leg and arm cramps, muscle stiffness, paresis, stupor, and coma.

Complications of intestinal infections caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli in adults and children over 3 years of age are very rare. Moreover, in most cases, complications appear when infected with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, and occur in about 5% of cases. Complications of intestinal infections provoked by E. coli include kidney disease, hemorrhagic purpura, spasms, paresis and muscle rigidity.

E. coli - symptoms in children

Enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic E. coli cause intestinal infections in children early age located in collectives, for example, in hospitals, maternity hospitals, etc. The infection caused by these types of Escherichia coli is characterized by a gradual worsening of the condition and an increase in the severity of the course by 4-5 days. In an infant, at first it rises moderately (not higher than 37.5 o C) or remains normal temperature body, followed by frequent regurgitation and vomiting. The stool becomes frequent, yellow feces with impurities of mucus or particles undigested food. With each new bowel movement, the stool becomes more and more liquid, the amount of water in it increases. Faeces can be expelled with strong force. The child is restless, his stomach is swollen.

At easy course infections, vomiting occurs 1-2 times a day, and stool - 3-6 times, and body temperature does not rise more than 38 o C. In case of infection moderate vomiting more often 3 times a day, stool - up to 12 times a day, and the temperature can rise to 39 o C. In severe cases of the disease, stool occurs up to 20 times a day, and the temperature rises to 38 - 39 o C.

If a child with such an intestinal infection does not receive enough liquid to replenish its losses with diarrhea, then he may develop DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome) or hypovolemic shock with myocardial insufficiency and intestinal paresis as a complication.

In addition, in children with a weakened immune system, E. coli due to damage to the intestinal wall can enter the bloodstream and be carried to other organs, causing pyelonephritis, purulent otitis media, meningitis or sepsis.

Infection caused by enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is most severe in children aged 3-5 months. Moreover, the infection provoked by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in children of the first year of life, as a rule, disappears after 1-2 weeks, after which complete recovery occurs. And the disease caused by enteropathogenic bacilli in children of the first year of life takes a long time, because after recovery after 1-2 weeks it can recur. In total, the infection can last from 1 to 3 months, with periods of recovery alternating with exacerbations. In children aged 1–3 years, infections caused by both enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli last for 4–7 days, after which self-recovery occurs.

The infection caused enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, in children under 3 years of age begins with symptoms of moderate intoxication (fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite), which is accompanied by diarrhea. Feces are liquid, similar in consistency to sour cream, containing impurities of mucus and sometimes blood. Before the urge to defecate, there are pains in the abdomen. The disease usually lasts for 5 to 10 days, after which self-healing occurs.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli cause intestinal infections that occur in children of any age in the same way. At the beginning of the disease, body temperature moderately rises and symptoms of intoxication appear (headache, weakness, loss of appetite), then nausea, vomiting and loose stools join them. Feces are watery, very thin, squirting. If the infection is severe, then by 3-4 days abdominal pain appears, stools become more frequent, and an admixture of blood is fixed in the feces. In some cases, feces completely disappear from the stool, and the stool consists entirely of blood and pus.

With a mild course, the infection lasts 7-10 days, after which self-healing occurs. And in severe cases, in about 5% of cases, a complication develops - hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS manifests itself kidney failure, anemia and a sharp decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Occasionally, HUS also causes convulsions, stiffness, and muscle paresis, as well as stupor or coma.

What does the detection of E. coli in various tests mean?

E. coli in urine or bladder

Therefore, the detection of E. coli in the urine or bladder is a signal to start antibiotic therapy antibiotics to kill pathogenic microbe and eliminate the risk of developing an acute inflammatory disease of the genitourinary organs. In order for the treatment to be effective, you must first pass a urine test for bacterial culture in order to identify which antibiotics the E. coli that lives in the genitourinary tract of this particular person is sensitive to. According to the results of bacteriological culture of urine, effective antibiotic and conduct a course of therapy. After 1 - 2 months, they again pass urine for bacteriological culture, and if, according to its results, E. coli is not detected, then the treatment is considered successful. If, according to the results of the control urine culture, Escherichia coli is again detected, then a course of another antibiotic is drunk again, to which the bacterium is also sensitive.

E. coli in a smear (in the vagina)

Therefore, if Escherichia coli is found in a vaginal smear, it is necessary to conduct a course of antibiotic treatment in order to destroy this bacterium in the genital tract. In order for the therapy to be effective, it is first necessary to pass the vaginal discharge for bacteriological culture in order to identify which antibiotics the E. coli found in the vagina of a particular woman is sensitive to. Only after sensitivity is detected, an antibiotic is selected that will be effective, and its administration begins. After 1 - 2 months after treatment, a control bacterial culture is given, and if, according to its results, Escherichia coli is absent, then the therapy was successful. If E. coli is again found in the sowing, then you will have to re-treat with an antibiotic, but with a different one.

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Analysis for Escherichia coli

• Bacteriological culture of faeces, urine, vomit, discharge of the genital organs. During the analysis biological fluids are sown on a nutrient medium, the composition of which is adapted for the growth of Escherichia coli. If colonies of Escherichia coli grow on the medium, then the result of the analysis is considered positive and means that there are Escherichia coli in the organ from which the biological secretions were taken.
• Coprogram or fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis. In the course of these analyzes, it is revealed which microorganisms are contained in the feces and in what quantity. If, according to the results of a coprogram or analysis for dysbacteriosis, pathogenic E. coli are detected, this means that the person has an intestinal infection. If, according to the results of the analyzes, non-pathogenic Escherichia coli are detected, but in an abnormal amount, then this indicates dysbacteriosis.

Norm of Escherichia coli

Treatment

The most effective antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections caused by E. coli are the following antibiotics:

• Cefotaxime;
• Ceftazidime;
• Cefepime;
• Imipenem;
• Meropenem;
• Levofloxacin;

So, with an intestinal infection, children and adults are prescribed a sparing dietconsisting of mucous soups, cereals on the water, stale white bread, donuts, croutons, boiled vegetables, low fat boiled fish or meat. Spices, smoked, fatty, fried, salty, pickled, canned food, milk, rich soups are excluded from the diet, fatty varieties fish and meat, fresh fruits.

From the moment diarrhea and vomiting appear until they are completely over, it is imperative to drink rehydration solutions that make up for the loss of fluid and salts. You need to drink at the rate of 300 - 500 ml for each episode of diarrhea or vomiting. Rehydration solutions are prepared either from pharmaceutical powders (Regidron, Trisol, Glucosolan, etc.), or from ordinary salt, sugar, baking soda and clean water. Pharmaceutical preparations are simply diluted clean water in the amount specified in the instructions. A home rehydration solution is prepared as follows - in 1 liter clean water dissolve a tablespoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt and baking soda. If for some reason it is impossible to buy or prepare rehydration solutions on your own, then you need to drink any drinks available in the house, such as tea with sugar, compote, fruit drink, etc. Remember that with diarrhea and vomiting, it is better to drink at least something than nothing, since it is necessary to make up for the loss of fluid and salts.
Furazolidone, which is prescribed for both adults and children. Among antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or amoxicillin are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of E. coli. Antibiotics and Furazolidone are prescribed for 5 to 7 days.

In addition to antibiotics, at present, bacteriophages can be used to destroy E. coli from the first days of the disease - bacteriophage coli liquid, interstibacteriophage, coliproteic bacteriophage, pyobacteriophage combined liquid, pyobacteriophage polyvalent combined liquid, etc. Bacteriophages, unlike antibiotics, act only on pathogenic intestinal stick and do not destroy bifidobacteria and lactobacilli of normal microflora. Therefore, they can be taken from the first days of the disease.

After recovery from an intestinal infection, it is recommended to take probiotics for 2 to 3 weeks (Bifikol, Bifidumbacterin

Over a long period of evolutionary development, a mutually beneficial coexistence has formed various systems microflora, microorganisms and environment.

The result of evolutionary processes is the colonization of all human organs by various microorganisms and bacteria.

A worthy representative of such bacteria is rod-shaped intestinal bacterium- Escherichia coli. Abbreviated version - E. Coli, if infection.

general characteristics

Where does E. coli come from, and what is it? Eshirechia is the main aerobic flora of the human intestine. It got its name in honor of the discoverer - the pediatrician Escherich, who isolated the body from baby intestine. They look like straight rods with rounded ends. On the smears taken, under the microscope, the localization of single individuals or located in pairs is clearly visible.

The optimum development temperature is 37 degrees. As a result of fermentation, enzymes decompose carbohydrates into acid, or acid and gas. They grow well on simple nutrient media. They cause many diseases in humans called escherichiosis.

For some ordinary people, the very fact of the presence in the body of a coli infection is alarming. And, between E. coli is involved in the fight against pathogenic bacteria entering the gastrointestinal tract, actively promotes metabolic digestive processes, is related to the development of protective functions of the immune system.

Microbial populations in the body have the property of self-regulation, ensuring ecological balance. Any adverse effects on the human body, cause a reaction of the microflora. Its quantity and quality changes, which leads to an imbalance in the body.

As a result of these reactions, the enzymatic bacterial system able to clone similar, more aggressive strains of E. Coli that cause infectious pathologies- escherichiosis:

• in the intestine - enteritis (inflammatory processes in small intestine);
• (inflammation of the colon);
• cause secretory diarrhea;
• damage to the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract with enterotoxins cause symptoms of hemorrhagic diarrhea;
• inflammatory processes in the peritoneum;
• diseases of the urethra;
• pulmonary pathologies;
• inflammatory processes in the spinal membrane.

Etiological factor

There are two types of transmission:

1. 1) water view based on the introduction of coli infection into the body, through the use of low-quality or unboiled water;
2. 2) The alimentary route of infection transmission is due to the intake of contaminated food.

In favor etiological factor violations of hygiene are also evidenced by the fact that in women, when taking a smear from the vygina, a rod-shaped intestinal bacterium is often found and diagnosed bacterial vaginosis. Appear vaginal discharge dark color with a specific smell.

A direct path to the development of candidiasis. Cause:

• dirty underwear;
• not proper hygiene genital organs;
• use of poor quality toilet paper.

Localization of Escherichia in the ureter cavity causes:

• strong inflammatory process;
• damage to the upper epithelial layer;
• manifestation of severe pain and burning;
• frequent urges to urination.

coli symptoms

The subsequent manifestation is expressed by signs:

• indigestion in the form of severe diarrhea;
• green vomit;
• fever and hyperthermia;
• occasional nausea and weakness;
• loss of appetite
• manifestations pulling pains in a stomach.