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Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli Bacteria that cause infection and irritation of the large intestine. The bacteria are spread by unclean water, dirty cooking utensils, or undercooked meat. See also gastroenteritis.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life).
Infection
Anything that invades the body and reproduces. Infections can be bacteria, protozoa, fungi, or viruses. Bacteria and fungi are one celled creatures that cause many infections including strep throat, bladder infections, and some lung infections. Fungi cause “athlete’s foot” and thrush, an infection in the mouth. Protozoa are small organisms with many cells that can cause infections in the guts or in the lungs. Most healthy people do not get protozoal infections, but people with suppressed immune systems can. Viruses are not really organisms; they are tiny particles that can live only inside another cell. They reproduce by taking over a cell and causing that cell to make more virus particles, rather than doing what the cell is supposed to do. Viruses cause most colds and flu cases.
Intestine
The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the large intestine.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Eschar
The scab formed when a wound or skin is sealed by the heat of cautery or burning. Also the dark crusted ulcer (tache noire) at the site of the chigger (mite larva) bite in scrub typhus.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Episiotomy
Incision made in the skin between the vagina and anus to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth.
Epithelial cells
One of many kinds of cells that form the epithelium and absorb nutrients. See also epithelium.
Equilibrium disorders
Balance disorders.
Eructation
Belching.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
blood test that measures the speed at which red blood cells settle on the bottom of a test tube; high sedimentation rate signals possible inflammatory disease.
Escherichia coli
Esophageal atresia
A congenital lack of continuity of the esophagus.
Esophageal reflux
See gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophageal spasms
Muscle cramps in the esophagus that cause pain in the chest.
Esophageal stricture
A narrowing of the esophagus often caused by acid flowing back from the stomach. This condition may require surgery.
Esophageal ulcer
A sore in the esophagus. Caused by long-term inflammation or damage from the residue of pills. The ulcer may cause chest pain.
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