EPEC
EPEC
E.coli bacteria are normally found in the human and animal intestines. However, some pathogenic strains of this bacterium do not belong to the normal intestinal flora of humans. One strain of these are the above-mentioned enteropathogenic E.coli bacteria, or EPEC for short. They are the trigger of an intestinal infection (enteritis) that mainly affects premature babies, newborns and infants. Hence the name infant diarrhoea.
How does infection/transmission occur?
- Direct transmission - mostly as smear infection via the hands - from person to person. Caution is advised especially in infant wards, homes and day-care centres. Even people who have been infected without falling ill can excrete bacteria unnoticed and infect other people.
- Ingestion of contaminated raw food of animal origin (meat, raw milk)
- Contaminated water intake
- Transmission from animals to humans through smear infection (contact with animals, e.g. in petting zoos or farms).
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Typical clinical picture:
- Watery diarrhoea, in some cases also bloody or mucous diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Possibly fever
- Loss of appetite
What do I need to be aware of if I fall ill?
The main focus is on replacing fluids and electrolytes. If the patient no longer drinks enough, treatment in hospital for intravenous therapy may be necessary. Diarrhoea-reducing drugs can provide short-term relief, but this usually slows down the excretion of pathogens and prolongs the duration of the illness. Antibiotics are only used in very severe cases.
How can I protect myself?
The most important measure is to wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food.