“Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a large and diverse group of bacteria” ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012).
The main reservoirs include the intestines of animals as well as in human beings. A great number of these bacteria, E. coli, are harmless and form an important part of the normal flora which is part of a healthy human intestinal tract. E. coli can also be found in contaminated meat which in most cases is transmitted through cattle feces during the slaughtering process. However, some E. coli are pathogenic, meaning they cause illness, either diarrhea or illness outside of the intestinal tract such as urinary tract infection, kidney failure, respiratory illness and pneumonia. E. coli consists of a diverse group of bacteria which are categorized into pathotypes. “ E. coli O157:H7 also known as “Shiga toxin-producing” E. coli or STEC fro short or enterohemorrhagic E. …show more content…
coli, is particularly a virulent serotype of E.coli. It is the most commonly identified STEC in North
America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) The mode of transmission occurs via fecal- oral route; One way through which E. coli is transmitted is consumption of beef that had been contaminated with cattle feces during the slaughtering process. soft cheeses made from raw unpasteurized milk, swallowing unchlorinated water in swimming pools. “Another means is via fecally contaminated well drinking water by cattle or by feces of an infected human being that frequent the area. Taking unpasteurized (raw) milk goes in hand with the contaminated beef, both come from the infected cow. Unpasteurized apple juice and apple cider, lettuce or other raw vegetables.
Also via person-to-person contact such as failure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water following contact with an infected person. Lastly, by eating salami.”( National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases, 2011) “The time between ingestion of the bacteria and feeling sick is called the incubation period. Which is usually 3-4 days after exposure which include: mild belly pain, non-bloody diarrhea that worsens over several days.”(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). STEC can also cause nausea, low grade fever, vomiting and fatigue. These symptoms last 8-10 days. “Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk for HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome), a serious complication of STEC that can lead to kidney failure. Antidiarrheal drugs like Imodium may also increase that risk. STEC usually disappear from the feces by the time the illness is resolved. Young children tend to carry STEC longer than adults. A few people keep this bacteria for several months.”( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) Complications that may arise from this disease vary from patient to patients. Patients under antidiarrheal drugs are at risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome. The use of antibiotics too put the patient at risk for HUS. The bacteria often causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to kidney failure, especially i young children or in people with weakened immune systems. Preventive measures include the following: Use of standard precaution for hospitalized patients. Contact precaution for diapered and incontinent patients, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after visiting the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or
The main reservoirs include the intestines of animals as well as in human beings. A great number of these bacteria, E. coli, are harmless and form an important part of the normal flora which is part of a healthy human intestinal tract. E. coli can also be found in contaminated meat which in most cases is transmitted through cattle feces during the slaughtering process. However, some E. coli are pathogenic, meaning they cause illness, either diarrhea or illness outside of the intestinal tract such as urinary tract infection, kidney failure, respiratory illness and pneumonia. E. coli consists of a diverse group of bacteria which are categorized into pathotypes. “ E. coli O157:H7 also known as “Shiga toxin-producing” E. coli or STEC fro short or enterohemorrhagic E. …show more content…
coli, is particularly a virulent serotype of E.coli. It is the most commonly identified STEC in North
America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) The mode of transmission occurs via fecal- oral route; One way through which E. coli is transmitted is consumption of beef that had been contaminated with cattle feces during the slaughtering process. soft cheeses made from raw unpasteurized milk, swallowing unchlorinated water in swimming pools. “Another means is via fecally contaminated well drinking water by cattle or by feces of an infected human being that frequent the area. Taking unpasteurized (raw) milk goes in hand with the contaminated beef, both come from the infected cow. Unpasteurized apple juice and apple cider, lettuce or other raw vegetables.
Also via person-to-person contact such as failure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water following contact with an infected person. Lastly, by eating salami.”( National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases, 2011) “The time between ingestion of the bacteria and feeling sick is called the incubation period. Which is usually 3-4 days after exposure which include: mild belly pain, non-bloody diarrhea that worsens over several days.”(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). STEC can also cause nausea, low grade fever, vomiting and fatigue. These symptoms last 8-10 days. “Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk for HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome), a serious complication of STEC that can lead to kidney failure. Antidiarrheal drugs like Imodium may also increase that risk. STEC usually disappear from the feces by the time the illness is resolved. Young children tend to carry STEC longer than adults. A few people keep this bacteria for several months.”( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) Complications that may arise from this disease vary from patient to patients. Patients under antidiarrheal drugs are at risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome. The use of antibiotics too put the patient at risk for HUS. The bacteria often causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to kidney failure, especially i young children or in people with weakened immune systems. Preventive measures include the following: Use of standard precaution for hospitalized patients. Contact precaution for diapered and incontinent patients, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after visiting the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or