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"Germany E. coli Outbreak One of Largest on Record"

Genome sequence gives clues to microbe's sticking power.
Scientists in Germany are feverishly analysing the genome sequence of the bacterium, and have found clues as to how this strain — which has so far infected more than 1,500 people and killed 18 — is making so many people ill.

The bacteria are relatively unusual in that they produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases — enzymes that render the bacteria resistant to many different antibiotics. Patients with E. coli infections are not typically treated with antibiotics anyway, because the bacteria are thought to respond to the medication by increasing production of the Shiga toxin, which can lead to the life-threatening complication haemolytic–uremic syndrome. But antibiotic resistance might have helped the bacteria to survive and persist in the environment.
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The article is full of fascinating tidbits revealing the extent genetic science is playing in microbiology research.
 
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If it is confirmed , I see the spanish farmer go for the "throat" : after all they were accused first, their sales dropped like a stone, and now it turns out it was a local farmer...
 
!Kaggen said:
Good article about E.Coli

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13639241
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You have to distinguish between normal E. coli which is a part of the normal commensal bowel flora in pretty much everything mammalian, without which our gut function would be in a pretty bad way, and the toxic strains.

Even normal E. coli can be a problem if it gets where it's not supposed to be, such as in the urinary tract or in wounds. However the toxic E. colis such as O157 and O104 are distinct strains which are pathogenic in the intestine.

We'd get along a lot better if people would talk about O157 or O104, or even VTEC, rather than "E. coli" which is in itself not only harmless in the gut but positivelty essential.

Rolfe.
 
Rolfe said:
You have to distinguish between normal E. coli which is a part of the normal commensal bowel flora in pretty much everything mammalian, without which our gut function would be in a pretty bad way, and the toxic strains.

Even normal E. coli can be a problem if it gets where it's not supposed to be, such as in the urinary tract or in wounds. However the toxic E. colis such as O157 and O104 are distinct strains which are pathogenic in the intestine.

We'd get along a lot better if people would talk about O157 or O104, or even VTEC, rather than "E. coli" which is in itself not only harmless in the gut but positivelty essential.

Rolfe.
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At last we agree!
:-)
 
Belgian thought said:
German authorities say bean sprouts are 'likely cause' - Locally grown.
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Although early tests seem to be negative, so on what basis they were blaming that farm I can't imagine. You'd think that after jumping the gun with the Spanish cucumbers they'd be a bit more circumspect.
 
richardm said:
Although early tests seem to be negative, so on what basis they were blaming that farm I can't imagine. You'd think that after jumping the gun with the Spanish cucumbers they'd be a bit more circumspect.
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Commercially sprouts are normally grown using chlorinated water only. The chlorination is to prevent bacterial contamination. The organic producer probably does not use chlorine. So if anything the water would be the origin of the E.Coli.
The question is what is contaminating the water this farmer is using?

Interestingly I am working on a project to grow sprouts using water treated with Lactic Acid bacteria which also eliminate E.Coli.
 
Typical how the news media keeps jumping the gun on the source. The organically farmed sprouts were in and now they are possibly out. But then, testing is not complete so true to form, the news media continues to jump the gun.
 
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krx said:
Of course... I should've looked in the CT Forum... :blush:
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I never go in there-- a few threads I participated in were moved there, and I unsubscribed.

The CT sub forum gives me the heebie jeebies. :)

.
 
That's a pity, because there are some very serious matters that are only allowed to be discussed there.

Rolfe.
 
Rolfe said:
That's a pity, because there are some very serious matters that are only allowed to be discussed there.

Rolfe.
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I agree, though I rarely visit the common CT threads. Emet would likely make a valuable contribution to some of the CT threads.
 
What, the fallacy that "organic" food is healthier? Well, maybe people will think a bit before they repeat that canard in future.

Rolfe.
 
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