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

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

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