obsolete Escherichia coli septicemia

Escherichia coli (E. coli) Septicemia: An Obsolete Term

Escherichia coli septicemia, also referred to as septicaemia due to E. Coli or septicaemia due to escherichia coli, is an obsolete term that was previously used to describe a life-threatening condition caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) entering the bloodstream.

Characteristics and Causes

• The condition was characterized by the presence of E. coli in the blood, which can lead to a severe inflammatory response and potentially fatal consequences.
• E. coli septicemia was often associated with urinary tract infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and other invasive infections caused by ExPEC (Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli) strains.

Current Understanding

While the term "Escherichia coli septicemia" is no longer used in modern medical practice, the condition it described remains a serious concern. Today, we understand that E. coli can cause a range of infections, from mild to life-threatening, and that prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.

References

• [8] Septicemia due to E. Coli (disorder); Septicemia due to escherichia coli; Septicemia due to escherichia coli [E. coli]; obsolete Escherichia coli septicemia.
• [10] Some of the most frequently isolated bacteria in sepsis are Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) . Exotoxins may fatally intoxicate the host if even infection is out of the bloodstream.
• [11] Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative bacillus known to be a part of normal intestinal flora but can also be the cause of intestinal and extraintestinal illness in humans. There are hundreds of identified E. coli strains, resulting in a spectrum of disease from mild, self-limited gastroenteritis to renal failure and septic shock. Its virulence lends to E. coli’s ability to evade host ...

Early Warning Signs

Escherichia coli (E. coli) septicemia, a severe infection caused by the E. coli bacteria, can manifest in various ways. While it's essential to note that these symptoms may also be associated with other conditions, prompt recognition is crucial for effective treatment.

• Fever or low body temperature: A significant drop or rise in body temperature can indicate an underlying infection [4].
• Chills: Feeling cold or experiencing chills can be a sign of septicemia [4].
• Confusion or delirium: As the infection progresses, confusion and disorientation may occur [4].
• Rapid heartbeat: A rapid heart rate can be a sign of sepsis, which is often caused by E. coli infections [5].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these early warning signs, other symptoms may include:

• **Diarrhea

Treatment Options for Obsolete Escherichia coli Septicemia

Escherichia coli (E. coli) septicemia is a serious infection caused by the bacterium E. coli. While modern antibiotics are effective in treating this condition, there may be situations where older treatment options are considered due to antibiotic resistance or other factors.

Fosfomycin: An Alternative Treatment Option

According to recent studies [1], fosfomycin has been shown to be a noninferior alternative to ceftriaxone or meropenem in achieving clinical and microbiological cure for E. coli septicemia. Fosfomycin is an oral antibiotic that can be used as a targeted step-down treatment, particularly for uncomplicated ESBL-E cystitis caused by E. coli [4].

Other Obsolete Treatment Options

In the past, other antibiotics such as levofloxacin and imipenem/cilastatin have been used to treat bacteraemia/sepsis caused by E. coli [9]. However, these treatment options may not be considered obsolete due to their continued use in certain situations.

Empiric Antibiotic Therapy

When treating septicemia, empiric antibiotic therapy is targeted at the suspected organism(s) and site(s) of infection, and preferably administered within the first hour [8][10]. This approach ensures prompt treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

It's worth noting that modern antibiotics such as cefiderocol have been approved for use in patients with limited or no alternative treatment options [5].

References:

[1] by J Sojo-Dorado · 2022 · Cited by 62 [4] Jul 12, 2024 [8] Oct 17, 2024 [9] by A Geddes · 1999 · Cited by 52 [10] by GA Schmidt · Cited by 52