Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

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• 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.