Escherichia coli (N=42534)

General Information

Pathogen information

Lactose fermenting gram negative rod, of the Enterobacteriaceae family.

Epidemiology

Normal GI flora.

Most predominant gram negative bacillus.

Associated syndromes

An exhaustive list.

Most common cause of UTI.

Also common:

  • Intra-abdominal infection/abscess

  • Nosocomial pneumonia

  • Bacteremia

  • Prosthetic device infection

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

  • Myriad other manifestations

  • Note endocarditis is rare.

Additional Information

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

Treatment of choice for ESBL strains is a carbapenem.