Flea Contaminants Can Cause Severe Diarrhea

Escherichia coli is a group of microorganisms that includes several strains. Most commonly, E. coli infections occur when a person ingests food with the potentially contaminated bacteria. The most commonly affected foods are: raw ground beef (like in hamburgers which are pink in color inside), milk grown in cow manure from infected cows, goat’s milk, and water consumed directly from contaminated rivers or streams. In children, food contaminated with Escherichia coli has been identified in as many as 70% of cases. While Escherichia coli may not always be a serious food contamination, any food that causes diarrhea or stomach upset could be a potential problem for young children and those with compromised immune systems.

Adult E. coli bacteria infections usually occur in people with compromised immunity. Because these infections are caused by a weakened immune system, symptoms typically develop after consuming an antibiotic drug, like amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or doxycycline. However, they can also occur in healthy adults who have taken antibiotics to treat severe body infections, like staph infections, urinary tract infections, or bronchitis. Young children, the elderly, and those with sickle cell disease and AIDS are also vulnerable to adult infections caused by Escherichia coli bacteria.

Although the majority of adult infections with Escherichia coli bacteria are mild, some can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, severe skin infections, meningitis, and even life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The greatest dangers of an e. coli infection occur when people with compromised immune systems are exposed to an infected animal protein that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or other abnormalities. These illnesses can be fatal if not treated quickly.

There are several animal proteins that can cause serious diarrhea and blood-stained stool in animals and humans, including: bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a virus, hepatitis virus (HIV), enteroviruses, parainfluenza, enterovirus, and rotaviruses. The most common cause of Escherichia coli bacteria is exposure to an animal protein called galactophage, which is made by some strains of the genus Agaricus. Symptoms of a BLV infection include diarrhea, blood-stained stools, and death.

The best way to prevent an Escherichia coli infection is to avoid eating food from contaminated feed or to make sure that sick animals are quarantined before being released into the wild. It’s also a good idea to make sure your pet’s water is treated before drinking it, since Escherichia coli bacteria can survive in low water quality. Be careful about giving your dog or cat table scraps, because they can also carry this deadly infection. If you think your pet may have this condition, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of a severe BLV infection include vomiting, dehydration, and kidney failure.

Dogs and cats can also catch Escherichia coli through infected objects such as bedding, litter boxes, and feeding dishes. Some people are more susceptible than others are to contact with these types of bacteria, so screens should be used at animal shelters and puppy mills to prevent the spread of e. infections. Since there are a variety of different strains of this type of bacteria, it’s important to be tested for any symptoms, especially if you’re concerned about an immediate family member who may have an illness.

Some people develop an allergy to Escherichia coli bacteria after coming into contact with contaminated water. In these cases, skin problems, watery eyes, and nose irritations may occur. If you suspect that you’ve come in contact with contaminated water, don’t touch it. Instead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and then get your dog or cat some clean water to drink. You may also want to rinse your hands thoroughly with water to get rid of any traces of the bacteria that may be on your hands before shaking someone else’s hand or dealing with someone else’s pet.

It’s easy to see how Escherichia coli can easily find its way into the United States through pets and hands. For most of us, we have very little control over what goes into our bodies. For those who do, there is a relatively short window of opportunity to protect yourself and others from this type of bacteria, and the short window of opportunity that can lead to severe diarrhea and other illnesses. For more information, go to google scholar and type in “flea contagious dogs” or “intestinal tract disease.”