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
  • Bacteremia
  • Nosocomial pneumonia
  • Prosthetic device infection
  • Gastroenteritis, ranging from travelers diarrhea to invasive infection with hemolytic-uremic syndrome

Note: endocarditis is rare.

May require additional precautions if highly resistant i.e. ESBL (ICU patients) or carbapenem resistant.