Treatment, Prevention and Control of Escherichia coli Infections

Treatment

E. coli isolated from community-acquired infections are usu-ally sensitive to commonly used antibiotics except penicillins. Hospital-acquired E. coli isolates, however, show multidrug resistance. Majority of E. coli infections are best treated based on antibiotics susceptibility testing results. UTI and neo-natal sepsis are treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Treatment of bacterial gastroenteritis is primarily supportive. Antibiotic therapy is rarely indicated and is deferred until cul-ture results are available. Presumptive therapy is not given due to the potential risks associated with antibiotic treatment for diarrhea caused by E. coliO157:H7. Third-generation cephalo-sporins, such as ceftriaxone, are recommended for meningitis and pneumonia caused by E. coli.

Prevention and Control

Availability of safe drinking water, proper food hygiene, and sanitary disposal of excreta are the most cost-effective strategies for reducing the incidence of enteric infections caused by E. coli. Cooking ground beef thoroughly is the most effective way to prevent hemorrhagic colitis caused by E. coli O157:H7.