Blood poisoning by E. coli
Blood poisoning or sepsis is the condition in which one has bacteria in the blood. Normally, bacterial infections caused by Escherichia coli are limited to mucous membranes, for example of the intestine. If they get into the bloodstream, the inflammation is called generalized and can even become life-threatening.
Wound infections, for example, represent a risk for a septic course. Once the skin is damaged, the way into the bloodstream is open. Bacteria can accumulate in the wound and cause inflammation at the affected area and even release bacteria into the bloodstream.
An incipient blood poisoning can be recognized by a suddenly fluctuating temperature >38°C or <36°C, a heart rate >90/min, a respiratory rate >20/min or greatly increased inflammation values in blood tests. Existing and worsening sepsis leads to restrictions of organ functions, in the worst case to failure of individual organs, in particularly weak patients or severe course. In the most severe case, septic shock with multiple organ failure occurs, which in many cases is fatal. Blood poisoning must be treated immediately in hospital for emergency treatment.
Sepsis through E. coli
In sepsis, bacteria spread through the bloodstream. This leads to a strong activation of the immune system. This very strong immune reaction can be very dangerous as it can affect the circulation or damage organs.
The whole body is affected by the infection. Sepsis is therefore a life-threatening condition. Bacteria from the E. coli strain cause about 11-24% of all sepsis.
E. coli is a widespread bacterium that also colonizes the intestines of healthy people in a harmless form. It is very adaptable and can metabolise a wide range of nutrients. It also divides very quickly. Every twenty minutes an E. coli bacterium can double itself.
Meningitis caused by E. coli
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. This can be triggered by an infestation with E. coli. Meningitis is a dangerous infection.
The reason for this is the direct proximity of the meninges to the underlying brain tissue.Newborns under 3 months are particularly endangered. E. coli is estimated to be responsible for 20% of all newborn meningitis. The infection can occur during birth or in the first weeks of life.
Considering the total population, only about 2% of all meningitis cases are caused by a bacterium of the genus E. coli. In healthy adults, meningitis caused by E. coli almost never occurs. People whose immune system is severely weakened are particularly at risk.
These include AIDS patients or people after organ transplants due to immune suppression. Patients who have suffered a severe head injury are also at risk because of the possible infection gateway. E. coli usually triggers a purulent inflammation of the meninges.
In this respect, it differs from other bacteria such as Borrelia or treponema. These bacteria usually lead to a non-purulent meningitis. The treatment of meningitis with E. coli is carried out in hospital. One uses potent antibiotics.
