Escherichea coli (E. coli) infections are caused by a type of bacteria that normally resides in the intestines, with most strains being harmless. However, certain strains can cause infection and illness such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.
The most common E. coli infection results in diarrhea, including severe forms like bloody diarrhea, which may result in kidney failure or death, especially in vulnerable individuals. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection can cause a severe condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which may result in kidney failure, long-term health complications, or even death.
Infections cause nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fatigue, and fever. Vulnerable groups like children and immunocompromised individuals are more prone to severe complications.
