14 Nov 2024        11:25:04 am

Science

E.coli

Tags : E.coli

Topic: Health

Why in the news?

• The US has been battling the E.coli outbreak through contaminated food. This is a common bacteria in our surroundings and they mostly cause infection in the gastro-intestinal and urinary tracts. 
• Only a few strains of the bacteria cause disease, while most strains don’t. In fact, the harmless ones sit in the gut and are a part of the microbiome, helping in digestion.

Source: The Indian Express

About E. coli (Escherichia coli):

• It is a type of bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals.
• It is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial, some strains can cause illness and infections.
• Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
• It can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga, which damages the lining of the small intestine and causes diarrhea.
• Symptoms:
  • These include fever of more than 102 degree F, persistent diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.
  • The main problem is dehydration due to the inability of the patient to retain water and fluids.
  • In very few cases, people may get acute kidney injury.
• Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve on their own without treatment. However, it\'s essential to stay hydrated during the course of the illness.

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