Bacterial — Intestinal Infection
About E. coli (Pathogenic)
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a large family of bacteria with more than 700 serotypes. The strains behind contaminated food and drink outbreaks produce Shiga toxin — the best known is E. coli O157:H7.
Symptoms usually begin 3–4 days after exposure, though illness can start within a day or more than a week later. Some infections lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication.
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea, from mild and watery to severe and bloody
- Abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Signs of HUS: less urine, dark urine, pale face
Test Options
- E. coli — direct detection of E. coli O157