What causes an E. coli infection?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection is caused by fecal material from cattle, and the bacteria can contaminate meat during processing and also spill over into the water supply used to irrigate crops.

In E. coli poisoning, bacteria multiply on food. After ingestion, E. coli eventually lands in the small intestine. As the body's immune system tries to fight off the bacteria, damage is caused to the lining of the intestinal wall, causing blood to leak into the intestinal tract, creating bloody diarrhea. This condition, known as hemorrhagic E. coli, can travel throughout the bloodstream, putting you at risk for serious complications such as sepsis, or blood poisoning. Seek medical assistance if you think you've contracted this invasive food-borne illness.