Escherichia coli in the smear: how serious is it?

Due to the fact that everything in nature is in close relationship, a person and microorganisms are also in constant contact with each other. Some bacteria are even permanent inhabitants of our body, but this does not mean that they are harmful. Escherichia coli E. coli, for example, is in the intestine and takes an active part in digestion processes. But everything depends on the localization of microorganisms and their number.

Benefits and harm from E. coli

Escherichia coli is a rod-shaped bacterium that lives in the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Its use is significant for a person, since it, being an inhabitant of the large intestine, inhibits the development of many harmful microorganisms. In addition, it helps to assimilate vitamins. But the problem is that there are quite a lot of varieties of Escherichia coli, most of which are pathogenic. For example, the detection of escherichia coli in a smear is a sad fact, since the urethra is not the habitat of the microorganism. Escherichia coli in the smear can be detected by passing the tests almost immediately after infection.

Infection with E. coli

Along with the fact that this kind of microorganisms is a constant inhabitant of the human intestine, it is found in the body of animals, in particular pigs. Since E. coli is a fairly persistent microorganism, it can be found in feces, meat, and soil. E coli in urine can drain into running water, from where to get on vegetables, fruits and in drinking water. This type of microorganism multiplies well in food, so you should be extremely careful.

What is fraught with infection by the pathogenic species of escherichia coli?

Bowel diseases that result from E. coli infection are called escherichiosis (diarrhea, dysbacteriosis, colibenteritis and others). Each type of pathogenic microorganism is characterized by a certain infectious dose. More often Children, people with weakened immunity and the elderly are vulnerable to infection. In all these populations, infection can manifest itself in different ways, but often the symptomatology resembles intoxication. The most difficult to tolerate infecting children to six months. Sometimes escherichia coli in a smear can be detected without an early manifestation of symptoms.

Precautionary measures

If escherichia coli is detected in a smear, treatment should be started immediately, as this type of infection is treated quite difficultly and for a long time and can lead to the development of more serious diseases of the genital tract and gastrointestinal tract. Treatment is carried out by antibiotics or bacteriophages, but it is best, of course, to try to prevent infection by pathogenic species of microorganisms. At the same time, first of all you need to observe all the necessary hygiene rules, wash raw vegetables and fruits before eating, and cook meat and processed products for at least 15 minutes. This, of course, does not guarantee that you will not become infected, but, at least, at times reduces the risk. Also, systematically check with your doctor.