MICROBIOLOGY E.COLI 0157: H7 INFECTION

Microbiology E.coli 0157: H7 infection

Microbiology E.coli 0157: H7 infection

Definition of E. coli O157:H7

E. coli O157:H7: A dangerous form of Escherichia coli? the colon bacillus? a bacterium that normally lives in the human colon.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a major health problem? causing hemorrhagic colitis? the hemolytic-uremic syndrome? and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura:

Hemorrhagic colitis E coli O157:H7 causes about 20?000 cases of hemorrhagic colitis (bloody inflammation of the colon) a year in the US. The bacteria produce toxins that can damage the lining of the intestine. The colitis caused can be quite severe with painful abdominal cramps? (Martin et al 2006) diarrhea and grossly visible blood in the stool? lasting for 6 to 8 days.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) Some offspring tainted with E. coli 0157:H7 formulate the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Hemolytic" refers to the breakup of red blood cells. This contributes to anemia and a shortfall of thrombocytes (thrombocytopenia) which induces abnormal leeching. "Uremic" refers to the acute kidney failure. Central nervous system concerns with ictuses and coma can also happen. The hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in infants and young children (Davis et al 2003).

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) Individuals who obtain E. coli 0157:H7? chiefly the elderly? can develop a syndrome similar to HUS called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with anemia due to fragmentation of red blood cells? shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) with easy bruising? neurological abnormalities? impaired kidney function? and fever.

Transmission with E. coli 01257:H7 comes up most frequently from feeding raw or undercooked basis beef (hamburger) or from drinking raw milk or fouled water (LW Riley et al 2003). Less commonly? E coli O157:H7 can be transmitted from one person to another.

E.coil 0157 : H7

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are members of a large group of bacterial germs that inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals (mammals? birds). Newborns have a sterile alimentary tract which within two days becomes colonized with E. coli.

Escherichia coli are enterobiasis bacteria. This family name is derived from the fact that nearly all species in it? more or less? constantly inhabit the intestines of humans and animals. Because of its widespread presence in the environment and its ability to promote disease in humans? one of the most prominent members of this family is the species Escherichia coli. This bacterium is so common that its name has come to describe all similar bacteria as "coliform" or coli-like.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a bacterium that commonly lives in the intestines of people and animals. There are many strains (types) of E. coli. Most of the E. coli are normal inhabitants of the small intestine and colon and are non-pathogenic? (Ulmer & Sellnow 2000) meaning they do not cause disease in the intestines. Nevertheless? these non-pathogenic E. coli can cause disease if they spread outside of the intestines? for example? into the urinary tract (where they cause bladder or kidney infections) or into the blood stream ...