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What Causes E. coli Infection in Humans?

E. coli infection spreads through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene. Certain strains produce toxins leading to severe symptoms. Proper food handling reduces risks.

  • 27 Mar 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 31 views

Introduction

Ever wondered how something as common as bacteria in your gut could sometimes make you sick? That’s the case with E. coli. While most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless, a few infectious ones can cause serious illness. These infections usually happen when you eat or drink something contaminated, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney failure, especially in young kids and older adults.

It is important to understand infection with E. coli causes to identify it early and seek medical attention.

What are E. coli causes?

The reasons for getting E.coli infection are:

 

  1. Contaminated food and water

One of the most common ways E. coli enter the body is through food and water that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Consuming undercooked meat, especially ground beef, or drinking unpasteurised milk and juice can introduce harmful strains into the body. Contaminated fruits and vegetables, often exposed to tainted water during farming, can also be a source of infection.

 

  1. Poor hygiene practices

If you don’t wash your hands after using the bathroom or before handling food, you risk transferring bacteria to your mouth, surfaces, or other people. This is particularly concerning in places like kitchens, restaurants, and healthcare settings.

 

  1. Person-to-person transmission

Close personal contact can also spread E. coli, especially in environments like daycare centres, nursing homes, and households with young children. If someone infected doesn’t practice good hygiene, they can pass the bacteria to others through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

 

  1. Poor sanitation and food handling

Lack of proper sanitation and improper food handling are key risk factors for E. coli infection. Cross-contamination, when raw meat juices come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, can spread the bacteria. Inadequate handwashing among food handlers and improper storage of perishable items can also contribute to E.coli outbreaks.

 

  1. The role of toxins in severe cases

Certain E. coli strains, like E. coli O157, produce toxins known as Shiga toxins. These can damage the intestinal lining, leading to severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, complications like kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS). This makes infection from these strains dangerous, especially for children and older adults.

Conclusion

Understanding E. coli infection is necessary for its prevention. Good hygiene practices, thorough cooking of food, and proper sanitation can minimise the risk. Since E. coli can cause significant health problems, having the right health insurance plan can be beneficial in covering medical costs in case hospitalisation is necessary.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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