E-coli is a common name for Escherichia coli. A German bacteriologist as well as pediatrician discovered E-coli bacteria in the year 1885. Today it is classified as a part of the Enterobacteriaceae family of the gamma proteobacteria. This e-coli bacterium is a very common type of bacteria found in the lower intestine of the warm blooded animals. E-coli can get into the foods such as vegetables and beef. One unusual thing about this bacterium is that these bacteria are not always harmful to the human beings. The E-coli bacterium resides in the intestines where it helps in the process of breakdown and digestion of food in the body. But, eventually there are some strains of the E-coli bacterium that get into the blood through the intestines. This illness is caused very rarely but it is associated with serious infections. Symptoms of the infections caused by the E-coli bacteria: * Vomiting * Pain in the belly and severe stomach cramps * Diarrhea- sometimes blood passing through it. E-coli are the bacterium that can be transferred from one person to another. The infections caused by the e-coli bacteria are mostly linked to the foods that possess these bacteria. When the person eats such contaminated food, he becomes sick. Foods causing e-coli poisoning: * The vegetables that are washed in the contaminated water or those that are grown using the cow manure. * Undercooked ground beef that are used for hamburgers. * The fruit juices that are not pasteurized to kill the germs in it. How to prevent the infections caused by e-coli bacteria: * The e-coli bacteria are killed by heat, so it is recommended that the ground beef should be cooked thoroughly and till the pink color disappears. * Always prefer pasteurized juice, milk or cider for avoiding the possibility of infections. * Wash and scrub the vegetables well before you eat them. * When you are in a restaurant ordering for burger, see that it is cooked well and consume it only if it is brown in color and not pink inside. * Wash your hands always after using the bathroom and before eating your food. This is so because a number of bacteria are present in your poop. * Never swallow the waters of the lake, pool or ocean as if the water contains any human waste, then there is chances that they are carrying the e-coli bacteria. The e-coli bacteria are found to be one of the major cause of the waterborne and food borne illnesses. Though some strains of the e-coli are harmless but these strains produce a powerful toxin that result s in severe sickness. E-coli bacterium present in water is a sign of sewage or animal contamination in that water. Hence the water can be treated by ultra-violet light, chlorine or ozone. The surface water sources should be carefully disinfected for ensuring that the e-coli bacteria are inactivated. These are some steps to avoid the infections caused by the e-coli bacteria. It is always better to prevent the disease before hand rather than curing it later on. Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Bacteria for Years. For More Information on E-coli Bacteria, Visit His Site at E-COLI BACTERIAI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On E-coli Bacteria At My Blog here E-coli Bacteria
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