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E. Coli 0157:H7
E. Coli 0157:H7
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of people and animals. It can also live elsewhere.
Most strains of E coli are quite harmless. However, there are five unique classes of E. coli that can cause inflammation of the stomach and bowels (gastroenteritis) and are, therefore, termed enterovirulent. They are virulent (extremely noxious) for the intestine (or, in Greek, the enteron).
Collectively, these five classes of enterovirulent E. coli are referred to as the EEC group (enterovirulent E. coli). Each class of EEC is distinct and different from the others. They are the: - Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) invades (passes into) the intestinal wall to produce severe diarrhea.
- Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC): A type of EHEC, E.coli 0157:H7 is the subject of this article. It is a cause of bloody diarrhea.
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) produces a toxin that acts on the intestinal lining, and is the most common cause of travelers diarrhea.
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) can causes diarrhea outbreaks in newborn nurseries.
- Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) can cause acute and chronic (long lasting) diarrhea in children.
What is E. coli 0157:H7?
The strain of E. coli called E coli O157:H7 produces toxins (poisons) and is pathogenic (disease-causing). Like a fingerprint, the serotype number O157:H7 identifies this strain of E coli.
The toxins produced by E. coli 0157:H7 are termed "Shiga-like." These toxins can damage the lining of the intestine and are thought to participate in all of the diseases caused by E. coli 0157:H7.
E. coli 0157:H7 is a major health problem. About 20,000 cases of hemorrhagic (bloody) colitis (inflammation of the bowel) due to E. coli 0157:H7 occur each year in the U.S. This E. coli can also cause the hemolytic uremic syndrome (anemia and kidney failure).
What kind of diseases are caused by E. coli 0157:H7?
Hemorrhagic diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis): E. coli 0157:H7 causes diarrhea with painful abdominal cramps. The diarrhea is severe, usually with gross blood in the stool, little or no fever , and lasts for 6 to 8 days. This diarrheal illness, currently designated "hemorrhagic colitis," was recognized when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) isolated E. coli O157:H7 from patients in two separate outbreaks of this illness in Oregon and Michigan. The illness was associated with eating hamburgers at the restaurants of one national chain. Hemorrhagic colitis due to E, coli 0157:H7 is commonly referred to as hamburger disease.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome: Children with E. coli 0157:H7 can develop a disease called the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a very major illness. It can be fatal. "Hemolytic" refers to the breakup of red blood cells. This leads to anemia . There is a shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) which causes abnormal bleeding. "Uremic" refers to the acute kidney failure . Central nervous system problems with seizures and coma can also occur. HUS is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: Persons who get E. coli 0157:H7, particularly 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, neurologic abnormalities, impaired kidney function, and fever. TTP, once almost always fatal, is still a serious consequence for getting E. coli 0157:H7.
How do people get E. coli 0157:H7?
Most commonly, E. coli 01257:H7 comes from eating raw or undercooked ground beef (hamburger) or from drinking raw milk. Less commonly, E coli O157:H7 can be transmitted from one person to another.
How do they test for the disease?
A stool specimen is tested for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. If a child has the hemolytic-uremic syndrome due to E. coli 0157:H7, or an elderly person develops thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, further tests are done.
How is the disease treated?
For the acute diarrheal illness, antibiotics have not proven useful. Treatment includes the replacement of fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, etc.) to prevent dehydration . Consult your doctor.
The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) require complex supportive care. This should be in a hospital.
How can you protect yourself and your family from E. coli 0157:H7?
The following precautions are recommended:
Handle Raw Meat Correctly - Put raw ground beef (hamburger) in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible until ready to use.
- Thaw frozen meat by putting it in the refrigerator or in the microwave.
- NEVER thaw meat at room temperature.
- Wash everything touched by raw meat with warm soapy water.
- Wash work surfaces, dishes, utensils, and your hands .
Be Careful With Hamburgers - Cook burgers thoroughly. The inside of the patty should not be pink. If it is, cook the burger longer. When you cut it, the meat should not be pink and the juice should be clear.
- In a restaurant, order burgers cooked "medium well" or "well done." If you see pink or if the juice is not clear, send the burger back to the kitchen for additional cooking.
No Raw Milk or Raw Milk Products - Avoid raw milk and raw milk products. Raw milk is not healthier.
- Consume only pasteurized milk and milk products.
Know Your Water - Drink water from a well only if you know it's free from contamination.
- Do not drink untreated water from streams or lakes.
Wash Your Hands - Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food. It cuts the risk of spreading E. coli (and other germs).
- Be sure children wash their hands carefully and often.
- E. coli 0157:H7 is a dangerous, disease-causing bacteria.
- It comes mostly from poorly cooked food, particularly hamburger.
- It causes hamburger disease: bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis).
- It causes the hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a blood and kidney disease in children.
- It causes thrombotic thrombocytic purpura, a dire disease in the elderly.
- Learn how to protect yourself and your family from E. coli 0157:H7.
Last updated on 05/15/2008
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