E. coli enteritis - Overview
Alternative Names
Traveler's diarrhea - E. coli; Food poisoning - E. coli; E. coli diarrhea; Hamburger disease
Definition of E. coli enteritis:
E. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It is the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis.
Certain types of E. coli infection are associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease marked by destruction of the red blood cells, drastic decrease in the platelets, and acute kidney failure.
Risk factors include recent family illness with E. coli, recent family illness with vomiting or diarrhea, eating unsanitary food, or drinking untreated or contaminated water. Travel to places that may not have clean drinking water is also a risk factor.
- Reviewed last on: 4/25/2008
- Mark Levin, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2006.
Guerrant RL. Escherichia enteric infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap. 327.
