e. coli
A bacillus (Escherichia coli) normally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and existing as numerous strains, some of which are responsible for diarrheal diseases. [1]
E. coli is a common type of bacteria that can get into food, like beef and vegetables. [2]
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. [3]
There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless. [4]
Proper cooking of meat, washing of produce, and pasteurization of cider prevent infection from contaminated food sources. [5]
When E. coli is consumed in water, milk, or food or is transmitted through the bite of a fly or other insect, it can cause gastrointestinal illness. [1]
, and by preventing the establishment of pathogenic bacteria within the intestine. [6]
It is important to remember that most kinds of E. coli bacteria do not cause disease in humans, indeed, some are beneficial, and some cause infections other than gastrointestinal infections, such urinary tract infections. [7]
The DNA of E. coli found in outbreak victims, in food and environmental samples is digested into pieces with enzymes that are able to specifically break the DNA molecule into individual pieces. [8]
Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some, such as serotype O157:H7, can cause serious food poisoning in humans, and are occasionally responsible for product recalls. [6]
This can happen when you drink water or eat food that has been contaminated by feces. [...] You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces, or stool, of humans or animals. [4]
The diarrhea causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes (dehydration). [9]
The strange thing about these bacteria - and lots of other bacteria - is that they’re not always harmful to you. [...] E. coli can be passed from person to person, but serious E. coli infection is more often linked to food containing the bacteria. [2]
Sources:
[1] E. coli: Definition from Answers.com
[2] E. Coli
[3] Home | CDC E. Coli - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[4] E. coli Bacteria Infection Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
[5] E. coli definition of E. coli in the Free Online Encyclopedia.
[6] Escherichia coli - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[7] E. coli Food Poisoning | E. coli Food Poisoning
[8] E coli Food Poisoning News and Information - Escherichia coli O157 …
[9] E. coli Infection — familydoctor.org