#e.coli

October 22, 2024

49 Sick, 1 dead

E.coli symptoms: Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.

Minnesota e.coli outbreak linked to ground beef distributed to restaurants, reported by the FSIS on 11/20/24. Product list here.

Multi-state e.coli outbreak linked to organic bagged carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms to major retailers. Carrots for sale may not be affected at this time but contaminated product may still be in homes. Recalled 11/16/24. Product list here.

Most e.coli infections resolve without intervention. Symptoms begin 3-4 days after consumption and may include stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals with severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or whom cannot keep down fluids should seek medical attention. Young children and the elderly are at most risk.

The recommendations for avoiding infection include frequent handwashing, following safe food prep guidelines, and always washing produce before use regardless of packaging suggestions.

Below is a guide for washing produce. Do NOT use soap or detergent as vegetables and fruits are porous.

Looking for Weaknesses

No-one wants to be eaten, and here two types of bacteria, Vibrio cholerae (highlighted in red) and Escherichia coli (yellow) do their best to avoid a predator. A third bacteria called Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (blue) stalks the perimeter of these bacterial colonies or biofilms, picking off stray E.coli. Researchers watching these tiny sieges spot that V. cholerae are usually able to defend themselves by arranging defensive ‘walls’, but adding em>E.coli. to the mix disrupts these defences. This mixed biofilm give E.coli. sanctuary – they’re more likely to survive attack – but leave V. cholerae more vulnerable – a heroic sacrifice to protect the weak perhaps? The success of these sprawling communities (each around one billion times smaller than a medieval city) also depends on where they grow. As these microbes are potentially hazardous to human health, scientists use clues in these predator-prey studies to spot weaknesses in biofilms in hospitals and public places.

Written by John Ankers

Image from work by Benjamin R. Wucher and colleagues

Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA

Image copyright held by the original authors

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), February 2023