Prostatitis caused by E. coli
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. It can be triggered by E. coli, for example. Often, however, no pathogens can be detected.
If E. coli bacteria are the cause, the prostate tissue is affected and bacteria multiply strongly. The body reacts with an immune response. A distinction is made between acute and chronic prostatitis.
In the acute form, there is a fever with chills and burning pain when urinating. Nevertheless, there is often a strong urge to urinate. The chronic form is more protracted.
The pain is less severe, but remains for a long time. It can lead to a loss of libido or erectile dysfunction. A wave-like course of the symptoms is typical.
Both acute and chronic prostatitis are treated with antibiotics. Especially in chronic bacterial prostatitis, a treatment period of up to six weeks is common. Nevertheless, more than half of the men treated are free of complaints within half a year.
Transmission of E. – coli
Since Escherichia coli bacteria are mainly found in the intestine, the most common route of transmission is via stool or food. An infection of the urinary tract by coli bacteria is a common topic especially in women. One of the most common ways of transmission is incorrect toilet hygiene, for example by wiping in the wrong direction.
However, good hand hygiene after contact with faeces is also particularly important. Women very often contract a urinary tract infection with E. coli through sexual intercourse. These are either bacteria of the own intestinal flora, which enter the urethra during sexual intercourse, or intestinal bacteria of the partner, which are located on the penis due to lack of hygiene.
In hospitals, the spread of bacteria is a particular problem due to inadequate hand hygiene. There it is recommended to use the hand disinfectants provided. At home it is especially important to wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, before preparing and eating food, after contact with sick persons, but also after contact with animals.
There is also a possibility of infection through contaminated food. Potentially contaminated food must therefore be cooked sufficiently to kill the pathogens. Raw meat always poses a risk for bacterial infections.
General kitchen hygiene should not be underestimated. Cutting boards, knives and anything that has come into contact with raw meat must be rinsed with hot water before further use. Fecal contaminated water is also a risk factor.
In Germany, according to the Drinking Water Ordinance, not a single coli bacterium may be present in 100ml of water. In phases of E. coli outbreaks, public swimming pools in particular pose a risk. One should avoid swallowing too much water. A hot shower should be taken after a visit to the swimming pool.
