Is E coli fatal

Answer 1

Definition E. coli (Escherichia coli) is one of several types of bacteria that normally inhabit the intestine of humans and animals (commensal organism). Some strains of E. coli are capable of causing disease under certain conditions when the immune system is compromised or disease may result from an environmental exposure. Description E. coli bacteria may give rise to infections in http://www.answers.com/topic/wound, the urinary tract, biliary tract, and abdominal cavity (http://www.answers.com/topic/peritonitis). This organism may cause septicemia, neonatal http://www.answers.com/topic/meningitis, infantile http://www.answers.com/topic/gastroenteritis, tourist http://www.answers.com/topic/diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. An E. coli infection may also arise due to environmental exposure. Infections with this type of bacteria pose a serious threat to public health with outbreaks arising from food and water that has been contaminated with human or animal feces or sewage. This type of bacteria has been used as a biological indicator for safety of drinking water since the 1890s. Exposure may also occur during hospitalization, resulting in http://www.answers.com/topic/pneumonia in immunocompromised patients or those on a ventilator

Answer 2

E. coli is normally found in the colon and helps the body metabolize food. If some of this E. coli gets into your food or water, it will make you very sick. Unfortunately there is a type of E. coli that can actually kill you. This type of E. coli is called E. coli 157.

This type of E. coli was first discovered in 1982 during an outbreak in Oregon. This type of E. coli produces a toxin that regular E. coli never does.

The 157 variety works by initially destroying blood vessels in the intestines, which causes bloody diarrhea. Next, the toxin enters the blood stream and damages different vessels throughout the infected body. This leads to clots that unfortunately clog up organs, such as the kidney.

Note that individuals who usually die from this type of E. coli are individuals with weakened immune systems, such as small children, and the elderly.

You cannot become infected by this type of bacteria through the air, you can only get it through ingesting food and water. Generally, if your a healthy individual, you can survive it if you ingest enough fluids and get proper treatment before it is too late.

Answer 3

many strains of ecoli are safe but one particular strain, ecoli 0157, can cause kidney failure which can be fatal. (HUS haemolytic uraemic syndrome)

Answer 4

E. Coli infections are not usually fatal - but can be, especially in the elderly, the infirm and the immunologically comprised individual.