What is E. coli? 10 Things You Need to Know
11th December 2023
Escherichia coli is a rod-shaped bacterium that can be the cause of many forms of illness from food poisoning to urinary tract infections.
Large outbreaks of E. coli can often make news headlines with potentially serious implications for public health as well as food providers and manufacturers who could suffer from loss in revenue, recalls or even legal action.
Read on for 10 things about E. coli from Addmaster:
- Escherichia coli, pronounced Esh-er-EE-key-ah Kohl-eye, incorporates over 45 different strains and while some are harmless, others can cause a array of harmful infections.
- Originally discovered and named Bacterium coli commune in 1885 by German-Austrian paediatrician Theodor Escherich, it was reclassified in 1895 and renamed after its discoverer.
- Most strains are usually found in the digestive tract of humans and animals as part of the microbiome and are unable to survive on surfaces or in the air, so E. coli cannot be transmitted by coughing or sneezing.
- When certain E. coli strains enter the urinary system it can cause urinary tract infections such as cystitis, and while most patients recover after a few days, some serious cases require a course of antibiotics.
- Other strains can cause gastrointestinal infections, resulting in stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea. Again, whilst most symptoms pass after short illness, treatment by antibiotics may be required for more severe cases.
- The E. coli O157:H7 strain is most commonly associated with food outbreaks and often makes headlines. This strain can cause an infection with fewer than 10 bacteria and produces Shiga toxins, which can lead to severe diarrhoea and kidney failure.
- Undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products (such as milk and cheese) and vegetables where sewage has been used in fields causing contamination can be all pose a risk of E. coli O157.
- Sewage or E. coli infected faeces can be present in lakes and natural pools, so avoid entering the water if any hygiene warnings are present.
- Infections are best prevented by practicing good personal hygiene, including washing your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, when preparing food or after touching animals.
- Cooking food thoroughly, using a digital thermometer such as Thermapen, and washing salad, fruit and vegetables with water or a vegetable wash, such as Fit, to remove contaminants can also reduce the risk of contracting a foodborne E. coli infection.