E. enterotoxigenic E. coli, also known as ETEC or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that causes gastroenteritis mainly in children under the age of 3 and visitors to industrialized countries to underdeveloped areas and, therefore, causes a type of diarrhea also known as the traveler's diarrhea.
This type of E. coli is transmitted by ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces, so it is important to avoid using public water and to ensure the hygiene of food purchased outside the home, especially when traveling to other countries. Here are some tips to avoid eating bacteria.
Infection with enterotoxigenic E. coli is cured with adequate water intake and a light diet, however, there are cases where it may be necessary to take antibiotics prescribed by the physician.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of intestinal infection caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli include:
- Diarrhea with lots of water;
- Severe belly pain;
- Fever and chills;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Headache;
- Loss of appetite;
- Muscle aches.
These symptoms may appear from 12 hours to 3 days after consumption of water or food contaminated with the bacteria, and the duration of illness is approximately 5 days.
These symptoms are very similar to those of a gastroenteritis caused by any other microorganism and, therefore, many people do not know that they have been infected by this bacterium, however, it is the main cause of diarrhea when traveling to other countries.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The only way to identify the bacteria that is causing the intestinal infection is by doing a stool test in the laboratory in which all the bacteria present are identified. Thus, when this bacterium is found, it is usually responsible for the infection.
However, in most cases the diagnosis is made only through the observation of symptoms by a general practitioner, and stool examination is only requested when symptoms do not improve or worsen over time.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for gastroenteritis caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli is usually done at rest at home, avoiding going to school or work, and drinking liquids, to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea.
In addition, a light diet should be avoided, avoiding foods with sugar, fat or too spicy, since they can increase the bowel movements. Check out what the diet should contain in cases of gastroenteritis.
In cases where symptoms do not improve after 2 or 3 days, it is recommended to go to the general practitioner or gastroenterologist to assess the need to start antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 160mg - 800mg, twice daily or doxycycline a 100 mg once daily for 5 days.
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