infectious diseases
Escherichia coli Infections
Introduction
The gram-negative bacteriumEscherichia coliis the most numerous aerobic commensal inhabitant of the large intestine. Certain strains cause diarrhea, and all can cause infection when they invade sterile sites (eg, the urinary tract). Diagnosis is by standard culture techniques. Toxin assays may help identify the cause of diarrhea. Treatment with antibiotics is guided by susceptibility testing. Antibiotics are not indicated for enterohemorrhagicE. coliinfections. 