Escheria coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the intestines of humans and other animals. It is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. E. coli is a beneficial bacteria that helps to break down food and produce vitamins. However, some strains of E. coli can cause food poisoning.

Escheria coli

Who would benefit from testing their E. coli levels?

  • People who have had a recent bout of food poisoning: Testing for E. coli can help to determine the cause of the food poisoning and identify any underlying health conditions that may have contributed to it.
  • People with chronic digestive problems: E. coli levels can be disrupted in people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Testing can help to identify any imbalances that may be contributing to their symptoms.
  • People who are at risk of getting E. coli infection: This includes people who work with food, travel to developing countries, or have weakened immune systems. Testing can help to identify people who may be more susceptible to infection and allow them to take preventative measures.

Symptoms of too low or too high levels of Escherichia coli

In general, low levels of E. coli are not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, low levels of E. coli can be associated with conditions such as:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Too high levels of E. coli can be a sign of food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning caused by E. coli can include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever
  • Bloody stool

In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and even death.

How does Escherichia coli affect the gut?

E. coli is a beneficial bacteria that helps to keep the gut healthy. It helps to break down food, produce vitamins, and regulate the immune system. E. coli also helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Can E. coli cause lasting problems?

Yes, E. coli can cause lasting problems in some people. The most common lasting problem is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is thought that E. coli infection can damage the lining of the gut, which can lead to IBS.

Other lasting problems that can be caused by E. coli infection include:

  • Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract
  • Ulcerative colitis, another inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine
  • Renal failure, a condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure, seizures, and even death

The risk of developing lasting problems from E. coli infection is higher in people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.

Test(s) that measure/test for Escheria coli

18 items

Gut Microbiome Test Small

A healthy gut impacts your brain, immune system, and overall well-being. The Gut Microbiome (or Microbiota) is home to many types of bacteria and microbes, including yeast. These o...
 99,00 Add to cart
19 items

Gut Microbiome Test Medium

GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test Medium is a gut flora test targeted primarily to problems with obesity, diabetes,  inflammatory diseases. It measures 15 bacteria such as Lactobaci...
 189,00 Add to cart
27 items

Gut Microbiome Test Large

GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test Large is the test for you who want a comprehensive overview of your gut health. Many health problems arise from imbalances in our gut and this test ...
 219,00 Add to cart
29 items

Gut Microbiome Test XL

The Gut Microbiome Test XL is for those who really want to understand their health. Whether you have IBS/IBD, stomach issues like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, weight prob...
 289,00 Add to cart

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