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E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in human and animal intestines.

This is stored inside a pill that can pass through the stomach unscathed and reach the intestines where it dissolves to release its poopy powdery payload.

Although she once was hooked up 24 hours a day to the feeding system that delivered nutrients directly into the bloodstream, doctors began weaning her off as her intestines got stronger.

The intestines shed their lining periodically, which produces a mucus that can be visible in stool and may be misidentified as a parasite, he explained.

Mr Harpaul Flora, consultant vascular and general surgeon at The London Clinic, said ruptured intestines are "a pretty rare injury".