What is E. coli?

Question

We are doing a research project for school and I need as much information on the E.coli virus as possible. What are the symptoms, how is it spread, can it be cured, etc. Any infomation you have will greatly help. Also, any websites with good informaton are needed. Also, can E.coli kill, and how.

Answer 1

Escherichia coli (also called E. coli) is a bacterium that can cause serious infections. Most of the hundreds of types, or strains, of E. coli live harmlessly in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. But some strains produce a powerful toxin that causes bloody diarrhea and occasionally can cause severe blood problems and kidney failure. Other strains of E. coli can cause urinary tract or other infections.

The meat from animals may become contaminated with the bacteria during processing. Wild game, such as elk or deer, also may become contaminated if not handled properly during processing. If the meat is not cooked to an internal temperature of 160° (71°), E. coli can survive and infect you when you eat the meat.

Eating contaminated, undercooked ground beef is the most common way people in the United States become infected with E. coli. Any food that has been in contact with raw meat can become contaminated. The bacteria also can spread from one food item to another on hands, cooking tools, cutting boards, and food preparation surfaces that have not been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after contact with raw meat.

Answer 2

Escherichia coli is gram negatice bacteria. Rod in shape under the microscope. It is a normal flora of the human colon...meaning it is in us..it lives there withut causing any harm BUT this bacteria is also the primary cause of Urinary tract infection to females and GIT infection when we eat foods infected with human feces.There are different strains of E.coli.

Answer 3

It's fecal bacteria.
I read a research article once on how much of that is at malls and restaurants. Boy, didn't want to go out for a while ! But I'm okay now, more cautious.

Answer 4

Refer to Wikipedia! See link below.