E. Coli: The Good, Bad, and Deadly

Escherichia coli (usually abbreviated to E. coli) are bacteria that can be found in the environment, in foods, and the intestines of people and animals. While most forms of E. coli that exist are harmless, some types can make you (really) sick. 

Electron micrograph image of E. Coli bacteria

Your body houses E. coli naturally. This probiotic bacteria can be found in both healthy human and animal intestinal track, and the majority of it is harmless. In fact, E. coli can promote antibody production, helping to ward off infections. Unfortunately, there are also pathogenic forms of E. coli, which can wreak havoc on those who become infected.

The worst strain of this bacteria, E. coli O157:H7, has many horrible side effects including diarrhea, kidney failure, and even death. In the past 12 years, there have been 21 reported outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 (😳). One reason why an E. coli infection from this strain can be detrimental is the complications it imposes on your body. Once this bacteria has made it inside your body, it produces a toxic substance that seeks out and attacks red blood cells. This is known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This syndrome causes kidney injury that many times requires intensive care, dialysis, and blood transfusions. 


Some of the most common sources of E. coli are: 

• Contaminated food, especially beef, raw milk and juices, soft cheeses, raw fruits and vegetables, and prepackaged cookie dough
• Contaminated water, including drinking untreated water and swimming in contaminated areas
• Animals and their environment: specifically cows, sheep, and goats. Not washing your hands carefully after touching an animal could lead to an E. coli infection
• Feces of infected people

To cure an E. coli infection you should drink plenty of fluids, and get as much rest as possible. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection!

You may be thinking why any of this is relevant. On April 16, 2018, the FDA stated that romaine lettuce growing in the Yuma region of Arizona is likely linked to the multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. There have been 172 reported cases of people becoming infected in 32 states across the country. Out of these 172 cases, 75 have been so severe that they required hospitalization, and unfortunately there has been one death. 

The  O157:H7 strain has virus DNA that it integrates into the bacterial chromosome. The bacterium can undergo binary fission normally, transmitting a copy of O157:H7 to each daughter cell. After many cellular divisions, there is a large population of infected bacteria. The end result of all of these divisions is the formation of a toxin, which is what ultimately infects someone who has eaten the contaminated food item. When they enter the body, they can directly attack your cells which may cause serious damage. 

So, the next time you reach for an item of produce, make sure you inspect and wash it carefully! It might just save your life.  The best way to prevent an E. coli infection is to follow the guidelines about what food to avoid when there is a reported outbreak. Or, grow your own!