Some of the more recent treatments for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli include:
For travelers in developing countries, ETEC infection can be
prevented by avoiding foods and beverages that could be contaminated
with bacteria. Although both cooked and uncooked foods have been
associated with ETEC infections, high-risk foods are raw fruits
and vegetables (e.g., salads), raw seafood or undercooked meat
or poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, food from street vendors,
and untreated water (including ice) in areas lacking adequate
chlorination.
There have been rare cases of ETEC infection reported in the United
States associated with eating salads, raw fruits, and vegetables.
However, these foods are generally safe if handled and prepared
appropriately.
In developing countries, food can be made safe to eat by thoroughly
cooking it and by keeping it hot. Fruits and vegetables should
be peeled by the person eating them. Water used for drinking (including
brushing teeth) or for washing food in these countries should
be bottled, boiled, or chemically treated with iodine, chlorine
or another disinfectant. Handwashing with soap and water also
can prevent contamination of food and beverages with ETEC and
prevent transmission from person to person as well. Bismuth subsalicylate
preparations (1 oz of liquid or two 262.5-mg tablets taken four
times daily) can reduce the risk of becoming infected with ETEC
and other common bacteria that cause diarrhea. Persons with kidney
disease should consult a physician before taking medications with
large amounts of salicylate.
Vaccines for ETEC are being developed, but none are currently
available. (Source: excerpt from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC): DBMD)
Taking antibiotics to prevent ETEC infection is generally not recommended. Pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems (such as patients who are receiving chemotherapy, who are taking immunosuppressive medications, or who have HIV infection) should talk with their health care provider if they are traveling to areas at high risk for ETEC exposure. (Source: excerpt from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC): DBMD)
If you are traveling to developing countries where the risk of travelers' diarrhea is increased:
To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, make sure that infected persons, especially children, wash their hands carefully and frequently with soap and do not prepare or handle foods. (Source: excerpt from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC): DBMD)
Information on prevention of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli comes from many sources. There are some sources that claim preventive benefits for many different diseases for various products. We may present such information in the hope that it may be useful, however, in some cases claims of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli prevention may be dubious, invalid, or not recognized in mainstream medicine. Please discuss any treatment, discontinuation of treatment, or change of treatment plans with your doctor or professional medical specialist.
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