Intestinal swab in the smear: symptoms, how to treat

The rod-shaped microorganism, called the E. Coli (or Escherichia coli), belongs to a number of facultative anaerobes. This bacterium is one of those that represent the natural microflora of the human intestine: its important mission is to prevent the multiplication of pathogenic flora and promote the synthesis of vitamin K and other nutrients. It is clear that the intestine is a habitual medium for such bacteria; but should there be an E. Coli in the smear?

Norm of E. Coli in the smear

In a healthy organism, Escherichia coli is represented by safe strains, the average number of which varies from 10 ⁶  to 10 ⁸  cfu / g of content in the distal intestinal tract. Concentration of Escherichia coli in other parts of the intestine should not exceed 1%.

Normally, this bacterium supports the necessary function of the intestine, takes part in the synthesis of vitamin K and B vitamins. Lactose-negative bacilli should not be present in an amount exceeding 10 ⁵  cfu / g, and no hemolytic rods should be at all.

The E. Coli can be present in a completely normal vaginal environment, but in minimal amounts, as normally its development is restrained by the lactobacilli that live inside the vagina. If the content of lactobacilli decreases for various reasons, then the escherichia can successfully multiply, and along with it - other microorganisms (staphylococci, candida, etc.).

Causes of the e. Coli in the smear

It is worth noting that in minimum concentrations the E. Coli in the smear can not be detected. If the bacteria are detected, in most cases it is already present in large quantities. How can there be an E. Coli in the vaginal smears? Here are a few possible reasons:

• with insufficient hygiene of the sexual organs;
• with a rare change of underwear;
• during a mixed sexual intercourse (anal-vaginal contact);
• at sexual contact on a beach, in water and so forth;
• when using other people's washcloths, towels, linens.

The E. Coli in the urine and smear may be due to the following reasons:

• during anal sex in men (the bacterium enters the urethral canal);
• at a low pH of the urinary fluid;
• with rare urination (with kidney disease, prostate adenoma, etc.);
• with inflammatory processes in nearby organs (the infection can pass through lymphatic vessels, etc.);
• if the hygiene rules are not properly observed;
• during pregnancy (against the background of weak immune defenses and changes in hormonal activity).

The intestinal stick in the smear from the throat appears along the oral-fecal pathway. With feces the bacterium enters the reservoirs or into the soil, onto the plants. After this, infection can occur in several ways. For example, a person can rinse his mouth with dirty water, chew unwashed vegetables or greens, take food with unwashed hands. Thus, the E. Coli is not only in the throat, but also in the digestive tract.

The E. Coli in the swab of the cervical canal may be for the same reasons and pathways as in the vagina.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Risk factors

As you know, E. Coli is a microbe that the body needs. However, it can become pathogenic under the influence of certain risk factors:

• with a sharp weakening of the immune defense (for example, with frequent colds, ARI, after operations, against a background of various chronic diseases);
• after prolonged antibiotic therapy with the use of powerful drugs (or a combination of antibiotics);
• with frequent use of unwashed plant foods (herbs, vegetables, berries, fruits);
• while ignoring hygiene rules.

How is the E. Coli transmitted to the partner?

The E. Coli can be passed on to your partner by a fecal-oral or contact-household method.

The fecal-oral method assumes that the bacterium enters the soil or water with calculous masses. Then the microbe penetrates into the human body - for example, with contaminated water, when eating unwashed plant food, with unwashed hands, etc.

The contact path of infection is the use of common towels, linen, etc. However, most often the E. Coli passes from one partner to another by the sexual way - during sexual intercourse. The risk factors in this case are:

• non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
• anal sexual contact.

There are cases when the E. Coli was transmitted to a partner during intercourse with a man who has chronic prostatitis, orchitis or epididymitis, caused by this bacterium. In this situation, along with the sperm fluid inside the vagina gets and E. Coli.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Symptoms of the e. Coli in the smear

In most patients, the presence of E. Coli in the smear is not accompanied by any symptoms. Bacteria are detected during routine preventive examination. However, with the intensive development of the pathogenic flora, an inflammatory process affecting the urinary and reproductive organs may start.

The bowel often becomes the "culprit" of cystitis: in this case it is determined in the urinary fluid and the urethral canal. Symptoms may include:

• frequent urination ;
• Presence of desires even with a small amount of urine inside the bladder;
• general malaise, fever, muscle pain;
• pain when urinating.

If an E. Coli is detected in a vaginal smear, then vaginitis develops with the active process of bacterial reproduction. His symptoms are usually the following:

• appearance of extraneous vaginal discharge;
• painful, itchy sensations, irritation of the vaginal mucosa;
• unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse;
• external swelling of the vulva, unpleasant odor.

Against the background of vaginitis can develop other inflammatory diseases affecting the pelvic organs (for example, it is a question of salpingitis, endometritis, endocervicitis). The listed pathologies show themselves as pains in the lower abdomen, the appearance of vaginal discharge, disorders of the monthly cycle, difficulties with conception of the child.

With an ascending type of infection, E. Coli can cause the development of pyelonephritis.

In men, the bacterium most often provokes the development of urethritis. The first signs of this disease are:

• the appearance of urethral discharge;
• painful urination;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• redness around the external urethral opening.

[11], [12], [13], [14]

E. Coli in the swab and discharge

With the development of the inflammatory process, the nature of the discharge from the vagina is noticeably changing. If the healthy secret is small in volume, it is transparent, odorless and not accompanied by pain and discomfort, the pathological discharge is cloudy, with an unpleasant odor. Their color can fluctuate between yellowish and greenish. The smell is extremely unpleasant, harsh, it can not be eliminated with the help of usual hygienic procedures.

Pathological discharge is often accompanied by other painful symptoms:

• redness, itching in the genitals;
• pulling soreness in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• general weakness;
• discomfort during urination.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should always seek medical help.

[15]

E. Coli and staphylococcus in smear

Both E. Coli and staphylococcus in the smear do not always mean infection. In the case where the content of these microbes does not exceed 1% of the total microflora, then treatment is not necessary.

But, at the confluence of disposable circumstances, both E. Coli and staphylococci are able to begin rapid growth, which is detected by such symptoms:

• the appearance of painful unpleasant secretions;
• itching discomfort;
• unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse;
• general deterioration of health, irritability;
• reddening of the mucous of the genital organs, swelling.

If such symptoms are present, then treatment is necessary. To clarify its features, the doctor may prescribe additional diagnostics in the form of a PCR method. The scheme of therapy is selected individually and is dependent on the characteristics of the disease.

[16], [17]

E. Coli in a smear in women

If you get inside the vagina and the urethral canal, the E. Coli under certain circumstances causes the development of an acute colpitis or urethritis. If you do not start timely treatment, then the bacterium lingers on the mucous tissues, provoking a constant relapse of the disease. The mechanism of ascending infection progression is also not excluded: there is a high probability of development of cystitis, pyelonephritis, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis. If you believe the statistics, in female patients in 80% of cases, the development of cystitis is provoked by the E. Coli. Approximately the same percentage of detection of Escherichia coli with pyelonephritis and bacteriuria during pregnancy.

In women inflammatory processes caused by E. Coli last for a long time and have a tendency to transition to a chronic form. Chronic diseases are much more difficult to treat, so it is better not to start the disease and contact the doctor as early as possible.

E. Coli in a smear in men

When an E. Coli enters the urethra - for example, after anal sex or if the hygiene rules are not respected, acute urethritis may develop, which has all the chances of acquiring a chronic form in the absence of treatment. In the urethra, the bacterium is tightly attached to the mucosa, so the usual and even frequent urination is not able to "wash" it out of the canal.

After the process has been chronized, E. Coli advances into the above structures - into the urea, kidney, prostate, testicles, also provoking the development of inflammation in them.

It is characteristic that in men, any infection is more likely to affect the reproductive system, rather than the urinary system. Therefore, cystitis or pyelonephritis in the male population occurs less frequently: in return, a strong half of humanity often suffers from sluggish, difficult-to-treat prostatitis or orhoepididymitis. According to statistics, about two-thirds of cases of chronic prostatitis in male patients over 40 years of age are provoked by the effect of E. Coli.

Even without any painful symptoms, a man is capable of carrying an E. Coli. Under favorable conditions - stress, hypothermia, the infection is able to intensify and become aggravated.

[18], [19],

Intestinal swab in a child's smear

In small children, E. Coli in the smear can be detected in two variants: hemolytic and lactose-negative bacteria. In theory, the hemolytic rod in the body of the baby should not be present - it is a pathogenic microbe that can cause infectious and inflammatory processes.

But, after finding such an E. Coli, do not immediately prescribe the child antibiotics. If the kid does not complain about anything, he has a normal stool, adequate appetite and well-being, then there is no need for antibiotics. But with the appearance of such symptoms as diarrhea, weight loss and appetite, antibiotic therapy is mandatory.

The presence of lactose-negative tissue is not considered a pathology, since this bacterium should be part of normal flora. However, this microbe can cause disease if its amount becomes excessive. In such a case, the child will have unpleasant symptoms, indicating the onset of the inflammatory process. If this happens, then the treatment is mandatory.

Complications and consequences

Intestinal bacilli provide invaluable benefits for the human body. But under certain conditions and this bacterium can provoke the disease, cause intoxication, weaken local immune defense. Especially dangerous is the activation of the bacterium in the child's body, because it for some time becomes vulnerable to all the damaging factors of the aggressive environment.

With active rapid growth, microbes cause a disorder in the function of the affected organ.

Hemolysing strain (one of the varieties of Escherichia coli) produces verotoxins that can cause inflammation and tissue necrosis. Bacteria affect the vasculature, worsen blood circulation in the organ.

When penetrating from the external environment, E. Coli damages the tissues of the urogenital system, causing inflammation in the prostate gland, testicles and appendages in men, or vaginitis, endometritis, and salpingo-oophoritis in women.

In newborn babies, ingestion of E. Coli can lead to the development of meningitis.

Separately, such a disease as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which develops against a background of weakened immunity, is singled out. The basic value in the formation of this pathology belongs to the enterohemorrhagic E. Coli, which produces a specific shigapodobite verotoxin, which has the property of damaging the vascular epithelium in the kidneys and the brain. The greatest danger this pathology presents for children from the period of newborns to 3 years.

[20], [21], [22], [23], [24]

Treatment of the e. Coli in the smear

If the E. Coli is present in the smear, but there are no signs of an inflammatory process, then therapy is not prescribed. If there are symptoms of the genitourinary system, antibiotic treatment is mandatory.

To begin with, they make a bacterial assessment of the sensitivity of bacteria to the drugs. This is done in order to understand which of the antibiotics will be most effective for a particular patient.

Antibiotic therapy is prescribed by the course - for 5-14 days. Approximately after 4-8 weeks, a control smear should be re-done to ensure there is no pathogen. If there is a relapse of the inflammatory process, then the course of the antibiotic is repeated.

The most effective for disinfecting E. Coli in a smear can be such drugs:

• Cephalexin for adult patients is prescribed in a daily amount of 1 to 4 g. Accepted every six hours. Duration of treatment - from one to two weeks. For children, a dosage of 25-50 mg / kg body weight is appropriate. Among the possible side effects - diarrhea, weakness, allergy.
• Cefotaxime is administered intramuscularly, previously dissolving 0.5-1 g of the drug in 2-4 ml of water for injection. Cefotaxime is administered every 12 hours. Among the possible side effects - allergies, headaches, inflammation at the injection site.
• Ceftazidime is administered intramuscularly, 1-2 g per day (for two injections). For children, starting at 2 months of age, a dosage of 25-50 mg / kg per day (per two administrations) is appropriate. Side-effects: candidiasis, vomiting, skin rashes, burning with the introduction of the drug.
• Imipenem is administered intramuscularly at 500-750 mg once every 12 hours. Side effects can be such: an allergy, a nausea, cramps, a candidiasis.
• Amicacin is administered intramuscularly: for adult patients and children, a daily dosage of 10 mg per kilogram of weight is used (divided by 2-3 doses). The duration of therapy is from seven to ten days. The drug may have ototoxic or nephrotoxic effect (worsen the quality of auditory and renal function).
• Levofloxacin is taken in tablets 60-30 minutes before meals, once a day, with water. Standard dosage for adults: with prostatitis - 500 mg / day, for a month; with uncomplicated urinary tract infections - 250 mg / day for three days. Side effects: nausea, lower blood pressure, sleep disturbance, headache.
• Ciprofloxacin is taken by 0,125-0,5 g twice a day, for 7-14 days. Treatment can be accompanied by nausea, sleep disorders, changes in taste, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
• Macmirror complex in the form of a suppository is administered intravaginally once a day, at night. Duration of therapy is 8 days (unless the doctor has appointed otherwise). Suppositories are well perceived by patients: only in isolated cases, allergies may appear (skin rashes, itching).

Non-pregnant women can be shown vaginal antibacterial drugs in the form of suppositories, gels:

• Metrogil is administered intravaginally 1-2 times a day for 10 days. During treatment it is desirable to avoid sexual intercourse.
• Kleotsin enter into the vagina at night for one suppository. Duration of therapy - three days in a row. Side effects may include: violations of the monthly cycle, candidiasis, itching, nausea. The analog of this drug is Klindess.

Also, to inhibit the development of a disease strain of Escherichia coli, the doctor often prescribes Miramistin, an antiseptic that enhances the effect of an antibiotic that stimulates local immunity.

To further restore normal healthy flora after antibiotic therapy, prescribe drugs such as probiotics, antifungal drugs, vitamins, immunomodulating agents:

• probiotics (Vagilak, Laktogin, Gynoflor) - normalize the quality of the vaginal environment, stabilize the microflora;
• immunomodulating agents (Viferon, Lycopid, Kagocel) - contribute to the strengthening of immune defense.

In addition, it is recommended to adhere to dietary nutrition with the predominance of fermented milk products, with the exception of sweets. When the urinary tract is affected, diet No. 7 should be followed.

Is it necessary to treat the E. Coli in a smear?

As we have already said, the E. Coli in a smear taken from the vaginal mucosa may be present in the minimum number. For example, if the result is 10 ³  CFU / g, then no special treatment is required. It is enough to adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, to eat right, to maintain an adequate state of immunity.

If rapid development of a bacterium is recorded, with signs of an inflammatory process, then treatment is prescribed without fail.

Even if the number of bacteria is not very high - for example, an E. Coli is found in the 10th to 6th degree smear, but there are obvious signs of colpitis, then it is necessary to be treated.

Treatment partner for the detection of E. Coli in the smear

If a partner has an E. Coli during the examination, but no pathological symptoms are noted, then antibiotics should not be influenced by such carriers.

If a man suffers from prostatitis, urethritis, or other inflammatory diseases, then they must be treated in accordance with generally accepted therapy regimens.

Coliprotein Bacteriophage

A coliproteophagus is a drug whose basis is represented by living microorganisms capable of normalizing the microflora. The drug can be injected into the rectum or taken internally (with intestinal or urethral dysbiosis), injected into the vagina (with bacterial vaginosis).

The main active substance of the coliproteophagus is special viruses that have the property of inhibiting the activity and development of pathogenic microorganisms. Such viruses are introduced into microbial DNA, having a destructive effect.

In addition to viruses, the drug contains oxyquinoline, an antibacterial substance that inhibits the development of pathogens (eg, fungal infection).

A colibrotein bacteriophage can be used when a vulgar protein, a mirabilis protein, an E. Coli is detected in a smear. Indications for the reception of a bacteriophage are such diseases as cystitis, colitis, enteritis, pyelonephritis, salpingoophoritis, pyelitis, endometritis. In addition to treatment, this drug has a preventive effect.

The drug is taken orally twice a day, and in the form of rectal or vaginal administration - once a day. The course of treatment is one week.

[25], [26], [27], [28]

Treatment of diseases accompanied by the appearance of E. Coli in the smear, by alternative means

Recipes offered by alternative medicine will be able to alleviate or minimize painful signs of infection. However, completely eliminate the E. Coli in the smear such methods are unlikely to help.

At the same time, herbal remedies help to strengthen their own immune defense of the body, restore the balance of microflora.

To stabilize the composition of the vaginal flora, syringing is often used. For example, a good effect gives irrigation and syringing with a weak solution (2-3%) of boric or lactic acid. Vaginal treatment is repeated every evening for 7 days. Also for syringing, other means are suitable:

• Take 1 tbsp. L. Goose goatee and flower daisies, pour 1 liter of boiling water, stand under the lid for 30 minutes. The liquid is then filtered and used for irrigation, dipping or douching.
• Pour in a thermos 1 tbsp. Boiling water 1 tbsp. L. Oak bark, aged for 3 hours, filtered. Douche with a warm infusion daily for the night, for one week.
• Pour 0.5 liter of boiling water in a thermos bottle 1 ½ tbsp. L. Fruited cherry, stand for 20-30 minutes, filtered. Apply a warm infusion for dampings and syringings. The course of treatment is daily for a week.

Herbal Treatment

If an E. Coli is found in the smear and urine, then it is possible to test the effectiveness of the following alternative methods:

• Prepare a collection based on 2 tbsp. L. St. John's wort and 4 tbsp. L. Mendicant. Fill the raw material with 1 liter of boiling water, insist for one and a half hours, filter. Drink three times a day for 200 ml 15 minutes before meals.
• Take an equal collection of flowers of chamomile, cornflower, sporicha, corn stigmas, St. John's wort. Pour boiling water (300 ml) 1 tbsp. L. Collection, insist for an hour. Filter and take 100 ml three times a day, between meals.
• Pour boiling water (0.5 l) 2 tbsp. L. Dried violets, insisted for an hour, filtered. Take three times a day for 1-2 tbsp. L.

If the appearance of E. Coli in the smear is accompanied by the development of urethritis, the following recipes will help:

• Take 2 tbsp. L. Flowers cornflower, pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist for an hour. After filtration, drink the drug for a day, dividing into three or four servings.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for detecting E. Coli in the smear are prescribed according to the painful symptoms. In acute period (if the doctor did not prescribe otherwise) take drugs in dilutions of 30C, 6X, 12X, 6C, three to four times a day.

• Aconite napellus - take with the rapid development of the inflammatory process, with general anxiety, discomfort.
• Arsenicum albumum - is taken with a sensation of burning and irritation of the mucosa.
• Belladonna - can be prescribed with right-sided pain, with fever and general deterioration of well-being.
• Ferrum phosphoricum - prescribe at unpleasant sensations in the genitals, against the background of a general normal state of health.
• Gepar sulphuris - take with general weakness and irritability against all the signs of the inflammatory process.

Treatment with homeopathic preparations is safe and is not accompanied by negative side manifestations. However, it is necessary to take such medications carefully, periodically monitoring laboratory indicators of bacterial activity.

Prevention

Of course, the appearance of E. Coli in a smear is much easier to prevent than to subsequently try to get rid of the bacteria. For the prevention of adherence to the generally accepted hygiene rules. Such rules are expressed in the following:

• obligatory daily water procedures, dampings, shower;
• obligatory daily change of underwear;
• regular washing of hands with soap (especially before meals and after walking or going to the toilet), if impossible - thoroughly rubbing hands with an antibacterial wet wipe;
• avoiding the use of someone else's underwear, personal hygiene items;
• the use of barrier contraceptives in case of accidental sexual contact.

The above rules are not complex and you can run them without problems. If there are any unpleasant symptoms from the urogenital system, one should not practice self-medication. You need to see a doctor and go through all the necessary diagnostic tests. Early treatment for medical care is the key to a quick and effective cure.

[29], [30]

Forecast

With a timely begun treatment of bacterial presence, the prognosis is in most cases positive. But only on condition of further compliance with all the required rules for the prevention of infectious diseases. If the E. Coli in the smear was detected in small amounts, without any pathological symptoms, then it is more than inexpedient to prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic. It is enough to undergo regular examinations with a doctor, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy and high-quality food. The practice of self-medication significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease.

[31], [32]