Treatment for E. coli colonisation?

[VELoce21]

Does anybody know about E.Coli colonisation in the lungs? I had two infections then colonisation. What can be done?

[Hidden]

The hospital and your GP can advise you on this.

[Maverick2]

How do you know it is E.Coli colonisation? Have you done culture growth studies?

Ecoli colonization generally occurs in the gut. In some exacerbation, they may grow but most of the lung infections are from Pseudomonas, staphylococcus aureus, H. influenza, and strep pneumonia.

What is your FEV1 and FVC? any reduction of these after infections?

Presence of other microbiome reduces the growth of E.Coli. Try to take fresh vegetables, fruits and juice through which you can acquire beneficial microbiome. Most of us have E.coli in the gut but other microbes (microbiome) keep them in check.

[WheezyAnne]

I have ecoli colonisation. I have an immune deficiency disease, and also gastric reflux. When I have an exacerbation, the sputum test invariably comes back what is called gramm negative bacteria which usually live in the gutt, which includes ecoli. The hospital labs report back to my Consultant as to whether it is a significant growth or not. When I have had a string of infections the hospital puts me on a course of IV Antibiotics. These usually do the job, for a while.. works out at about twice a year.

If I get a temperature, then I will be put on yet another course of oral Ciprofloxacin. Its up to us to keep as strong as possible, and to move the mucus out so it cant get infected with ecoli. Hope that helps. Oh, and get reflux investigated if not already. I also have problems swallowing on food catches makimg me cough, which is another way we can get Ecoli infections. These are my experiences, and may not apply to you. I am not medically trained, so cannot make any recommendations.

[VELoce21 in reply to WheezyAnne]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes my sputum has grown various bacteria recently and since February I have been poorly. The azithromycin has not kept my infections under control. The respiratory nurse contacted the lab who suggested the ecoli had colonised in my lungs. I do have reflux that can wake me. I only have half my large bowel after surgery (hemicollectomy) for a perforated bowel. There is to be a meeting to discuss me next week. So fingers crossed there is a plan for me.

[Ergendl in reply to VELoce21]

Good luck for next week.

[VELoce21 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you I will let you know

[WheezyAnne]

I am on Azithromycin three a week, and nebulise Gentamicin. Fingers crossed for you. Perhaps you could let us know how you get on?

[Hidden]

The word colonisation can quite often be used incorrectly when what’s really meant is chronic infection, and the two terms have very different implications treatment wise. Colonisation is where you have bacteria or fungi inhabiting the body but it isn’t an active, damaging infection process, they’re just there without causing (too many) problems, and are rarely treated as a result. A chronic infection is where it is an infective process and it’s causing you problems, and unfortunately, no matter what you do you will never be able to get rid of the bacteria as it means they’ve taken up permanent residence. Treatment will usually be given if you have symptoms of an active infection, but it’s about keeping the bacteria under relative control rather than eradicating the infection. My daughter’s airways are colonised with both candida alibicans and candida dubliniensis, both fungi (yeasts), but she has chronic infections of pseudomonas, e.dermatitidis (fungus) and a query as to whether she also has chronic s.maltophilia. The first two are ignored, but occasionally ‘disappear’ for a little bit as a side effect of treating the e.dermatitidis, the others are treated with antibiotics and antifungals as appropriate, both on a regular basis and as required if they flare. If you have a chronic infection, your underlying respiratory diagnosis will also determine the ongoing management plan to some extent.

[VELoce21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your very informative message. The E Coli is definitely a colonisation at the moment so no treatment at this stage. I did have pseudomonas colonisation a couple of years ago. I have candida also, perhaps because of all the antibiotics I've needed. Thanks again Charlie_G

[crashdoll]

Do you have reflux or gastro issues and are they being treated? I often grow different bugs and it’s because I have weak swallowing muscles so I aspirate stomach contents into my lungs.

I’m on lansoprazole and an anti sickness and it helps.

[VELoce21 in reply to crashdoll]

Hi crashdoll I often have my stomach contents land In my chest during the night. I wake up with my chest rattling/ruttling. The head specialist nurse phoned me and I have to have a CT scan