Enterobacter infections are a group of illnesses characterized by symptoms that occur when bacteria invade the intestine. They can be caused by bacteria that normally live in the intestine or by bacteria that enter the body through contaminated water or other means. In addition to the intestinal tract, these organisms also affect other regions of the body. Some of the infections can be life threatening, while others are not.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away. He or she may perform a physical examination. A doctor will also ask you about your medical history, as well as if anyone else in your family has been recently diagnosed with this infection. This information can help your health care provider determine what is causing your condition. You should also take the antibiotics as prescribed by your physician.
If you have been diagnosed with an Enterobacter infection, it is important to follow the treatment instructions carefully. In addition to the medication, you will also be given fluids to keep you hydrated. Keep your doctor updated on the side effects of your medications. It is also important to stay up to date on vaccines.
Diarrhea is one of the common symptoms of an enterobacterial infection. Bacteria produce a substance that causes diarrhea when the toxins interact with digestive juices. People can have either watery or bloody diarrhea. When you have bloody diarrhea, the stool contains blood. However, bloody diarrhea does not require antibiotics.
Other infections that can be caused by Enterobacter include septicemia and pneumonia. These conditions can be deadly, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The bacterial infections that cause these diseases can affect people of all ages.
The most common types of Enterobacter infections in the United States are invasive E. coli and noninvasive E. coli. These kinds of bacteria can cause bloody stools and other invasive infections. There are also gram negative bacteria called Klebsiella and Serratia that can infect the respiratory and urinary tracts. Klebsiella can also sometimes infect intravenous catheters.
Symptoms of pneumonia can vary, and are usually accompanied by fever and sputum or infected tissue. Blood and urine samples can be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Also, imaging tests such as x-rays can be used to diagnose pneumonia.
Other types of bacteria, such as Salmonella, can cause similar symptoms. Several different species of Salmonella are known to cause both watery and bloody diarrhea. Another type of bacteria, Escherichia coli, can cause a disease called necrotizing enterocolitis, which can lead to death of bowel tissue.
Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections, are another type of enterobacterial disease. These infections are typically caused by a variety of bacteria, and are often acquired in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Hospital-acquired Enterobacter infections are generally treated with antibiotics and fluids.
To avoid CRE, it is important to keep up with your vaccinations and wash your hands thoroughly. Also, make sure to keep all medical equipment and devices clean and sanitized. Your healthcare provider may need to use specialized testing to determine which types of antibiotics will be most effective in treating your infection.
