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In this issue:
Meow $P1,
What You Need to Know About E. coli
You may think E. coli outbreaks and contaminated spinach reports are
yesterday’s news, but not so fast fair members. Now it’s lettuce.
There’s clearly more to the E. coli story than just the 192 people diagnosed
in the spinach contamination.
While the media has gotten wind of this story of late, it’s a little-known
fact that the strain of E. coli involved in recent batches of contaminated
spinach accounts for as many as 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths each
year – yep, as in each year.
So, fair members, let’s brush up on the facts around this little critter
called E. coli.
E. coli – Essential bacteria with a twist
Escherichia coli -- or E. coli -- comprise a major percentage of a healthy
colon’s bacteria base.
Every day hundreds of trillions of E. coli bacteria scuttle around in your
gut, aiding in digestion and vitamin synthesis (think vitamin K and some B
vitamins).
So, if these little rod-shaped organisms are a natural part of your system,
then why all the distress? There are two potential explanations:
1. E. coli can get into the wrong body cavities, such as the urinary
tract or abdomen, and thus cause infection. Urinary tract infections, though
uncomfortable, tend to be easily treated. Peritonitis, which can be fatal,
means your intestines have been perforated, usually as a result of an ulcer,
appendicitis or surgical error.
2. Mutated strains of E. coli -- like the strain 0157:H7 responsible for
spinach-related illness and death -- produce toxins that attack your body.
Even if antibiotics are used to fight the harmful bacteria, the toxins can
still persist and harm your body.
Mutant strain 0157:H7 destroys intestinal walls and produces toxins
There are hundreds of E. coli strains, with more being created all the time
as a result of mutation.
Mutant strain O157:H7 fits the profile of a mutated strain, and like other
results of mutation, it has the capability to make the “host” ill.
Strain O157:H7 belongs to a smaller E. coli family known for producing toxins
that tear down the intestinal wall. Aside from causing gastrointestinal distress
and bloody diarrhea, E. coli infections can also lead to kidney failure and even
death.
Strain O157:H7 is a particularly nasty bug, as it can survive the harsh
acid-bath of the stomach and few bacteria are actually required to cause
dramatic damage.
Most healthy adults don’t suffer terribly from infection, with cases of
cramping and diarrhea being typical. Children, the elderly, and those with
compromised or undeveloped immune systems, however, are at far greater risk for
more serious symptoms.
Avoiding E. coli infection
E. coli infections in the U.S. are predominantly caused by eating undercooked
ground beef.
However, infection can result whenever you come into contact with, er, fecal
matter. Sigh. It’s true. When folks don’t wash their hands, these bad boys can
get passed along rather easily. Infections can also occur after drinking
unpasteurized milk or juice or swallowing contaminated water. Beware those
idyllic ponds and streams of outdoor summer fun!
Cranberries shown to combat E. coli
Many of you already know that drinking cranberry juice can stop a bladder
infection in its tracks, right? Researchers may have just found out how.
Recent studies have shown cranberry compounds, called tannins or
proanthocyanidins, have the ability to change the structure of E. coli bacteria
and their cell membranes, rendering them unable to initiate infection.
Cranberry compounds also appear to inhibit bacterial communication methods.
E. coli bacteria use a system called “quorum sensing” to determine when there
are enough bacteria present at a certain location to initiate a successful
infection. Without this clever signaling, these bad boys couldn’t assess troop
strength for their attack.
Good grief, little tribes of Genghis Khan cells coordinating their conquests.
What next?
Health in the News
Vitamin D cuts pancreatic cancer in half
according to a new study that is being called the first to show such a benefit.
Parkinson’s and the inflammation factor.
Blocking one of the body's natural inflammatory factors gives protection against
brain cell death associated with Parkinson's disease, say UT Southwestern Medical Center
researchers.
Probiotics for critically ill patients. According to an in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, appropriately used probiotic supplements have many potential health benefits with little risk of side effects.
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd
Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
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