E-Coli Bacteria Essay, Research Paper
For those who follow the rules of good nutrition by eating healthy
foods, the rewards can be substantial. But it’s also important that you
clean and cook your food properly. Because if you don’t, certain
microorganisms that hitchhike into your stomach can make you feel
miserable.
E. coli is a bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans
and animals. Although, most strains of this bacteria are harmless,
several are known to produce toxins that can cause diarrhea. One
particular E. coli strain can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage
E. coli made a notorious appearance at a fast-food restaurant
chain about three years ago, sickening hundreds and killing four
children who ate undercooked hamburgers. Experts estimate that E.
coli causes as many as 20,000 infections and 250 deaths per year. The
incidence of food-borne illness is staggering. Physicians in the United
States deal with 8.2 million cases annually, a quarter of a million of
which require hospitalization.
The bacteria is acquired by eating food containing the bacteria.
The bacteria live in the intestines of some healthy cattle, and
contamination of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process.
Eating meat that is rare or inadequately cooked is the most common
way of getting the infection. Person-to-person transmission can occur
if infected people do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
People infected by E. coli can develop a range of symptoms. Some
infected people may have mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all. Most
identified cases develop severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood
is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present. Most
people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in five
to 10 days. The best course of action is to drink plenty of liquids, rest,
and avoid anti-diarrheal medication, which may actually retard your
ability to eliminate the bacteria.
In children under five years of age, the infection can cause a
complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This is a serious
disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail.
Blood clotting factors as well as kidney dialysis may be necessary.
Most people recover completely, but it can be fatal.
The best way to avoid illness from beef at home is to cook the
meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which will
kill the organism. Though it may put a crimp in your culinary style when
you eat out, it’s probably advisable to go for “rare” and “medium rare.”
If your steak or burger still looks too pink inside, send it back to the
grill. Drink only pasteurized milk and milk products. Make sure infected
people, especially children, wash their hands carefully with soap after
using the toilet to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.