Transmission Modes of E. Coli

         

E. coli is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, often by consuming food or water contaminated with infected faecal matter (Heredia & García, 2018). Common sources include unpasteurized lactose products and beverages, raw or undercooked meats like ground beef, and fresh produce irrigated with contaminated water (Maffei et al., 2016). Poor hygiene also facilitates transmission, including direct or indirect contact with contaminated objects such as cell phones and currency (Brady et al., 2007). Beyond intestinal infections, E. coli, particularly UPEC strains, can migrate from the gut to the urinary tract, causing UTIs, the most common extraintestinal manifestation (Wiles et al., 2008). Shared public washrooms in hospitals may contribute to E. coli transmission (refer to Fig. 2), especially in catheterised or immunocompromised patients (Jacobsen et al., 2008).