E.coli 0157
E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless, several are known to produce toxins that can cause diarrhea. One particular E. coli strain called O157:H7 or VTEC 0157 can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage.
This bacterium can infect anyone; however the very young and the elderly are more likely to develop serious complications. Infection occurs when contaminated food is consumed. The bacteria live in the intestines of some healthy cattle and contamination of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process. Deer meat such as venison may also be infected with the organism. Eating meat that is rare or inadequately cooked is the most common way of getting the infection. The same applies with fresh vegetables, unpasteurized fruit juices and raw milk, all of which have also caused outbreaks.
Poor food handling with raw food product such as raw meat juices can easily transfer this bacterium to cooked foods causing post process contamination. Person-to-person transmission, especially in child care settings, can occur if infected people do not wash their hands after using the toilet or diapering children (E.coli is common in feces). Drinking contaminated water and swimming in contaminated shallow lakes may also cause infection. Exposures have also occurred from farm animals, particularly calves and cows, and deer jerky which is uncooked dried meat.
Good hygiene is the key to ensuring safe food products, however if you want further information I recommend The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on E. Coli
