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.

Gastroenteritis, ranging from traveler's 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