Pathogens
Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Fermenting gram negative rod, of the Enterobacteriaceae family

Normal GI flora - most predominant gram negative bacillus

An exhaustive list. Most common cause of UTI. Also common: intra-abdominal infection/abscess, nosocomial pneumonia, bacteremia, prosthetic device infection.

Myriad other manifestations - note endocarditis is rare.

Gastroenteritis, ranging from travelers diarrhea to invasive infection with hemolytic-uremic syndrome

May require contact precautions if highly resistant i.e. ESBL, carbapenem resistant

Treatment of choice for ESBL strains is a carbapenem

Suspected/confirmed verotoxigenic infection (i.e. 0157-H7) requires notification of Public Health immediately