E. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It is the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea.

E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. The symptoms occur when the E.coli bacteria enters the intestine.

Certain types of E. coli infection are associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease marked by destruction of the red blood cells, drastic decrease in the platelets, and acute kidney failure.

Risk factors include recent family illness with E. coli, recent family illness with vomiting or diarrhea, eating unsanitary food, or drinking untreated or contaminated water. Travel to places that may not have clean drinking water is also a risk factor.

The time between being infected and developing symptoms is usually 24 - 72 hours. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea that is sudden and severe, may be bloody
• Fever
• Gas
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramping
• Vomiting (rare)

The doctor will perform a physical exam. A stool culture can be done to check for disease-causing E. coli.