Description:
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of
the most commonly encountered organisms in the clinical microbiology
laboratory. It is present as a member of the normal flora of the
gastrointestinal tract, and thus is present in most routine stool cultures. E.
coliis also encountered as a pathogen and a common cause of urinary tract
infections, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, gallbladder infections, peritonitis,
pneumonia, endo-carditis, neonatal meningitis, wound infections, traveler’s
diarrhea, and septicemia. This article discusses E. coli in detail.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the etiology of
E. coli
- Discuss the epidemiology of E. coli
- Outline the treatment methods for E. coli
Author(s):
Herbert Moody
Debra H. Wisenor, BS, MT(ASCP)
George H. Roberts, EdD, MT(AMT)
Launched: 2003