E Coli

E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, a bacterium that lives in humans, mammals, birds and other warm blooded animal's small intestines. While most types of E. coli do not cause harm, certain strains secrete a toxin that causes gastroenteritis and other illnesses. Within two days of birth, the E. coli resides in the human colon.http://www.about-ecoli.com/

Some genes can live inside E. coli such as the NDM-1 gene. NDM-1, also known as New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase1, is considered a super bug. These super bugs living inside E. coli can be resistant to the current antibiotics. The NDM-1 gene is known to host inside E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia.http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099%2810%2970143-2/abstract

Recently 50 cases of NDM-1 have been seen in the United Kingdom. Most of these patients suffered from fatal pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Two of the patients died but it is noted that they also had other serious illnesses. Some of the British patients had traveled to India for surgery, dialysis, pregnancy care, burn treatment and cosmetic surgery. Other patients had been hospitalized in Greece and Turkey after an accident.http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/news-topics/public-health/ndm-1-risk-underlines-need-for-good-infection-control/5018183.article

The worry is that with the ease of international travel, diseases and bacteria with resistance can travel throughout the world with greater speed.

Although, more the 700 serotypes of E.coli have been found, it is the E. coli that produces the Shiga or STX toxin that produces bad effects. Some of these will produce mild side effects while others have more severe side effects. These hardy strains can last a week on counter tops and up to a year in compost. Only a few of them can cause an infection. The CDC estimates that 85 percent of E. coli infections come from food. Some food items that can become contaminated are: ground beef, venison, sausages, non-cooked salami, unpasteurized milk and cheese, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, orange juice, alfalfa, radish sprouts, lettuce, spinach, water, pizza dough and cookie dough.http://www.about-ecoli.com/

British researchers face recently stated that a newly-identified gene mutation may be responsible for a new class of drug-resistant superbugs. According to ABC News, researchers say a group of plastic surgery patients who traveled from India or Pakistan back to Great Britain returned carrying bacteria which has an antibiotic-resistant "superbug gene" known as NDM-1. NDM-1 stands for New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase. AFP quotes researchers as saying that a "new class of superbugs…could spread worldwide." The New York Times quotes experts calling the gene mutation "worrying" and "ominous."

1. 1982: First illness-causing strain identifiedFDA: Bad Bug Book - Escherichia coli O157:H7
2. Most common illness-causing strain: E. coli O157:H7FDA: Bad Bug Book - Escherichia coli O157:H7
3. Main source: Cows
4. Food sources: Undercooked or raw beef, alfalfa sprouts, unpasteurized juice, lettuce, raw milk, cheese curds
5. United States infections: 73,000 per yearNIAID: E. coli
6. Deaths: 61 per year
7. Other illness-causing strains: Enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, strains O26:H11 and O111:H8FDA: Bad Bug Book - Escherichia coli O157:H7

• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have E. coli, please consult your doctor.