Impact of E Coli in Elderly Adults

E. coli, formally called Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that normally lives in our digestive systems, specifically the intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some strains can cause a diarrheal infection that leads to stomach cramps, bloody loose stool, and vomiting. One can get E. coli from tainted food or water, most often raw vegetables, raw (unpasteurized) milk, or raw beef that is not cooked thoroughly. Most people who contract E. coli feel better after a few days, but young children and elderly adults have a higher risk of worse symptoms and potentially a life-threatening form of kidney failure. 

E. coli in Elderly People

E. coli is particularly dangerous for elderly folks as they tend to have weakened immune systems either from a chronic illness or simply old age. Chronic illnesses that weaken the immune system include conditions like cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. Certain medications also weaken the immune system, such as treatments like chemotherapy or steroids. Elderly adults sometimes also experience a decrease in stomach acid, the first line of defense against E. coli. 

Research has shown that around 95% of older adults who contract E. coli require hospitalization for a week, with around 32% needing a three to four day stay in the Intensive Care Unit. 78% of those older adults in the study showed signs of sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Almost everyone in the study received antibiotics to treat the E. coli, and many had anti-biotic resistant strains. After hospital treatment, about 35% of those studied were discharged to skilled nursing for rehabilitation, while around 44% were able to go home. 6.8% of those infected died. 

E. coli symptoms in elderly adults are not very different from the symptoms for anyone who contracts the bacteria: loose stool, which may be watery or bloody; stomach cramping and vomiting. They also tend to be dehydrated and may have a fever of 102 or higher. Because of the reasons listed above though, elderly adults should take any chance of E. coli very seriously, and seek treatment as quickly as possible. 

Mortality Rate of E. coli

The mortality rate of E. coli is dependent on the type of infection. If the infection stays in the digestive system, the mortality rate is extremely low, well under 1%. Once the infection moves to the bloodstream and the patient becomes septic, the mortality rate increases to around 5%, as seen by the study above in which 6.8% of those infected died. 

E. coli disproportionately impacts elderly adults, and many seniors who are hospitalized with E. coli see the bacteria recur within 12 months. Some practices that can help prevent E. coli infection are:

• Washing hands, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers. You should also frequently wash your hands when cooking, especially when handling raw meat. 
• Keep raw foods away from cooked foods, including using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, and not putting cooked burgers on the same plate as the raw burgers. 
• Wash utensils with hot, soapy water. 
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat, particularly beef, is cooked thoroughly. 
• Drink pasteurized milk, juice and cider. The pasteurization process simply means the liquid was heated to a hot enough temperature to kill germs and bacteria like E. coli. 
• Wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them. 

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