The Good and Bad of E. Coli

One of the beneficial bacteria that mammals have in their intestines is Escherichia coli, which is more commonly known as E. coli. It was originally discovered by Theodor Escherich in 1885 and actually helps with digestion and some vitamin production. Since E. coli live in the large intestine, they are excreted in the feces of humans and other mammals. This fecal matter can transmit E. coli infection from animal to animal. The reason for the infection is that it is only beneficial when in the large intestine. E. coli is actually quite sensitive to harsh environments and can therefore be eliminated by boiling contaminated water.

However, if E. coli finds its way into the body through consumption of contaminated food or water, it can cause any number of problems, including intestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting and fever. E. coli can also infect the body via a ruptured appendix or perforated ulcer. In addition to being sensitive to boiling water, most strains of E. coli are killed quite easily by antibiotics, but as the use of antibiotics is sometimes overused or used incorrectly, some strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

There are several strains of E. coli that cause food poisoning. These are E. coli 0157:H7, E. coli 0121 and E. coli 0104:H21. Contaminated meat is caused during slaughter or when incorrectly refrigerated. For this reason, it's recommended that all meat be cooked thoroughly to kill the bacteria. Of course, it's best not to have contaminated meat in the first place, so careful inspection during or after slaughter is very important. There was recently an outbreak of E. coli contamination of spinach that was believed to be caused by E. coli 0157H:7. In strong, healthy people, the symptoms may not be too bad, but with the old, very young or immune suppressed people, an infection can be life threatening. Add onto that a particularly resistant strain and there could be a significant outbreak.

To determine the exact course of treatment, lab tests should be done first. Depending on the type of colonies that grow, a physician will determine which antibiotic will be used to treat the disease. Not all antibiotics work for all strains of E. coli and some people are allergic to some antibiotics like penicillin. In Russia, a type of treatment called phage therapy is used. A phage is a viral organism that can get inside a particular bacterial cell and cause it to burst open. This treatment isn't approved anywhere outside of Russia, however. Vaccines are being developed and tested and will hopefully be available to the public soon. This would make widespread outbreaks a controllable problem in the future.