Are blood transfusions common with e.coli infections?

Not exactly: Most e. Coli infections arise from 'friendly' bacteria in our colon.These e. Coli escape & cause routine infections in our blood, bladder or lung. E. Coli from the gut of cows & swine may produce dangerous toxins (ie.Shiga toxin) that cause food borne illness.These toxins damage the colon causing bloody diarrhea & destroy red blood cells causing anemia. Severe anemia may require blood transfusions.

No: People who sick with e. Coli infection will not be eligible to donate blood. Bacterial infections from transfusion are more of a problem from transfusion of platelets, a component of blood given to help stop bleeding. This is because platelets are stored at room temperature where bacteria can continue to grow in the platelet bag. These reactions, although uncommon, can be very severe.