Escherichia coli

• A Gram-negative bacillus - the principal member of the enterobacteria family (Coliforms).

• A common commensal in the gastro-intestinal tract.

• The most common organism encountered in urinary tract infections.

• Some biotypes of E coli are also enteric pathogens, causing diarrhoea. In particular, E coli O157 which causes haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Infection control precautions are required for these strains.

Main clinical infections:

• Urinary tract infections (principal cause).

• Intra-abdominal infections e.g. appendicitis, perforations, peritonitis.

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia. (Other chest infections are very rare.)

Usually sensitive to:

• Trimethoprim

• Cephalosporins

• Quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)

• Aminoglycosides (Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin)

Usually resistant to:

• Amoxicillin : resistance is common (50-60%). 

• Resistance against trimethoprim and quinolones is also on the increase. 

• Alarmingly, we have seen multi-resistant E.coli sporadically in Nottingham hospitals.

Page last edited: 25/07/2008

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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