Most strains of E. coli are harmless but some strains can make you very sick and can cause sepsis. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body's often deadly response to infection.

Can you get sepsis from E. coli?

Background: Escherichia coli is a common cause of a broad spectrum of infections, from non-complicated urinary tract infection, to severe sepsis and septic shock, that are associated to high impact outcomes, such as ICU admission and mortality.

How serious is E. coli in the blood?

coli, and most of them are harmless. But some can cause bloody diarrhea. Some strains of E. coli may also cause severe anemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death.