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WHO: E. coli outbreak may be from super-toxic new strain
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43248315/ns/health-food_safety/
6-2-2011
Bacteria responsible for food poisoning illnesses, deaths in Europe contains several genes that cause antibiotic resistance
LONDON — Scientists on Thursday blamed Europe's worst recorded food-poisoning outbreak on a "super-toxic" strain of E. coli bacteria that may be brand new.
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WHO: E. coli outbreak may be from toxic new strain
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But while suspicion has fallen on raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as the source of the germs, researchers have been unable to pinpoint the food responsible for the frightening illness, which has killed at least 18 people, sickened more than 1,600 and spread to least 10 European countries.
An alarmingly large number of victims — about 500 — have developed kidney complications that can be deadly.
Chinese and German scientists analyzed the DNA of the E. coli bacteria and determined that the outbreak was caused by "an entirely new, super-toxic" strain that contains several antibiotic-resistant genes, according to a statement from the Shenzhen, China-based laboratory BGI. It said the strain appeared to be a combination of two types of E. coli.
"This is a unique strain that has never been isolated from patients before," Hilde Kruse, a food safety expert at the World Health Organization, told The Associated Press. The new strain has "various characteristics that make it more virulent and toxin-producing" than the many E. coli strains people naturally carry in their intestines.
However, Dr. Robert Tauxe, a foodborne-disease expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, questioned whether the strain is truly new, saying it had previously caused a single case in Korea in the 1990s. He said the genetic fingerprints from the two samples may vary a little, but not enough to say that the strain in Europe is new.
"Though it appears to have been around awhile, it hasn't called attention to itself as a major public health problem before," Tauxe said.
Sean Gallup / Getty Images
A lab technician holds a bacteria culture that shows a positive infection of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, also known as the EHEC bacteria, from a patient at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
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.
Elsewhere in Europe, Russia extended a ban on vegetables from Spain and Germany to the entire European Union to try to stop the outbreak spreading east, a move the EU quickly called disproportionate and Italy's farmers denounced as "absurd." No deaths or infections have been reported in Russia.
In Hamburg, Philipp, a 29-year old photojournalist, was hospitalized on Monday after falling ill. He would not provide his last name because he did not want people to know he had caught the E. coli strain.
After suffering from stomach aches and bloody stools, he developed neurological symptoms and couldn't feel his left arm or leg. Despite three blood plasma transfusions to wash the toxins out of his blood, he hasn't improved.
Philipp said he recalls eating some vegetables the night before he got sick.
Some scientists suspect the deadly E. coli might have been in manure used to fertilize vegetables.
Kruse said it is not uncommon for bacteria to evolve and swap genes. It is difficult to explain where the new strain came from, she said, but bacteria from humans and animals easily trade genes.
Previous E. coli outbreaks have mainly hit children and the elderly, but this one is disproportionately affecting adults, especially women. Kruse said there might be something particular about the bacteria strain that makes it more dangerous for adults.
Story: Two in U.S. infected in German E. coli outbreak
Nearly all of the sick either live in Germany or recently traveled there. British officials announced four new cases, including three Britons who recently visited Germany and a German on vacation in England.
The WHO recommends that to avoid food-borne illnesses, people wash their hands, keep raw meat separate from other foods, thoroughly cook their food, and wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw. Experts also recommend peeling raw fruits and vegetables if possible.
The fact that the strain may be new may have complicated the response to the outbreak.
"Officials may not have had the correct tests to detect it, which may explain the initial delay in reporting," said Paul Hunter, a professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia in England.
He said the number of new cases would probably slow to a trickle in the next few days. The incubation period for this type of E. coli is about three to eight days. "Salads have a relatively short shelf life and it's likely the contaminated food would have been consumed in one to two weeks," Hunter said.
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.
But Hunter warned the outbreak could continue if there is secondary transmission of the disease, which often happens when children are infected. E. coli is present in feces and can be spread by sloppy bathroom habits, such as failure to wash one's hands.
Story: Aging with AIDS: More are living longer, living with loss
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero slammed the European Commission and Germany for singling out the country's produce early on as a possible source of the outbreak, and said the government would demand "conclusive explanations and sufficient reparations."
Spanish farmers say the accusations have devastated their credibility and exports. In Valencia, protesting farmers dumped some 300 kilos (700 pounds) of fruit and vegetables — cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other produce — outside the German consulate.
The outbreak is already considered the third-largest involving E. coli in recent world history, and it may be the deadliest. Twelve people died in a 1996 Japanese outbreak that reportedly sickened more than 9,000, and seven died in a Canadian outbreak in 2000.
6-2-2011
Bacteria responsible for food poisoning illnesses, deaths in Europe contains several genes that cause antibiotic resistance
LONDON — Scientists on Thursday blamed Europe's worst recorded food-poisoning outbreak on a "super-toxic" strain of E. coli bacteria that may be brand new.
Don't miss these Health stories
Aurora Select for msnbc.com Aging with AIDS: Living longer, living with loss
Long-term survivors of AIDS, like 78-year-old Bill Rydwels, live with the gift of bonus years of life they never expected – but often, also with the loss of myriad friends. Thirty years after HIV was discovered, many are facing not only the ravages of old age, but also the cumulative effects of living for years with AIDS.
.
WHO: E. coli outbreak may be from toxic new strain
Effortless beauty to-do: Work LESS hard on your skin
Food pyramid out, 'My Plate' in for healthy eating
Why ‘health’ food is so unsatisfying
.
.
But while suspicion has fallen on raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as the source of the germs, researchers have been unable to pinpoint the food responsible for the frightening illness, which has killed at least 18 people, sickened more than 1,600 and spread to least 10 European countries.
An alarmingly large number of victims — about 500 — have developed kidney complications that can be deadly.
Chinese and German scientists analyzed the DNA of the E. coli bacteria and determined that the outbreak was caused by "an entirely new, super-toxic" strain that contains several antibiotic-resistant genes, according to a statement from the Shenzhen, China-based laboratory BGI. It said the strain appeared to be a combination of two types of E. coli.
"This is a unique strain that has never been isolated from patients before," Hilde Kruse, a food safety expert at the World Health Organization, told The Associated Press. The new strain has "various characteristics that make it more virulent and toxin-producing" than the many E. coli strains people naturally carry in their intestines.
However, Dr. Robert Tauxe, a foodborne-disease expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, questioned whether the strain is truly new, saying it had previously caused a single case in Korea in the 1990s. He said the genetic fingerprints from the two samples may vary a little, but not enough to say that the strain in Europe is new.
"Though it appears to have been around awhile, it hasn't called attention to itself as a major public health problem before," Tauxe said.
Sean Gallup / Getty Images
A lab technician holds a bacteria culture that shows a positive infection of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, also known as the EHEC bacteria, from a patient at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
Advertise | AdChoices
.
Elsewhere in Europe, Russia extended a ban on vegetables from Spain and Germany to the entire European Union to try to stop the outbreak spreading east, a move the EU quickly called disproportionate and Italy's farmers denounced as "absurd." No deaths or infections have been reported in Russia.
In Hamburg, Philipp, a 29-year old photojournalist, was hospitalized on Monday after falling ill. He would not provide his last name because he did not want people to know he had caught the E. coli strain.
After suffering from stomach aches and bloody stools, he developed neurological symptoms and couldn't feel his left arm or leg. Despite three blood plasma transfusions to wash the toxins out of his blood, he hasn't improved.
Philipp said he recalls eating some vegetables the night before he got sick.
Some scientists suspect the deadly E. coli might have been in manure used to fertilize vegetables.
Kruse said it is not uncommon for bacteria to evolve and swap genes. It is difficult to explain where the new strain came from, she said, but bacteria from humans and animals easily trade genes.
Previous E. coli outbreaks have mainly hit children and the elderly, but this one is disproportionately affecting adults, especially women. Kruse said there might be something particular about the bacteria strain that makes it more dangerous for adults.
Story: Two in U.S. infected in German E. coli outbreak
Nearly all of the sick either live in Germany or recently traveled there. British officials announced four new cases, including three Britons who recently visited Germany and a German on vacation in England.
The WHO recommends that to avoid food-borne illnesses, people wash their hands, keep raw meat separate from other foods, thoroughly cook their food, and wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw. Experts also recommend peeling raw fruits and vegetables if possible.
The fact that the strain may be new may have complicated the response to the outbreak.
"Officials may not have had the correct tests to detect it, which may explain the initial delay in reporting," said Paul Hunter, a professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia in England.
He said the number of new cases would probably slow to a trickle in the next few days. The incubation period for this type of E. coli is about three to eight days. "Salads have a relatively short shelf life and it's likely the contaminated food would have been consumed in one to two weeks," Hunter said.
Advertise | AdChoices
.
But Hunter warned the outbreak could continue if there is secondary transmission of the disease, which often happens when children are infected. E. coli is present in feces and can be spread by sloppy bathroom habits, such as failure to wash one's hands.
Story: Aging with AIDS: More are living longer, living with loss
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero slammed the European Commission and Germany for singling out the country's produce early on as a possible source of the outbreak, and said the government would demand "conclusive explanations and sufficient reparations."
Spanish farmers say the accusations have devastated their credibility and exports. In Valencia, protesting farmers dumped some 300 kilos (700 pounds) of fruit and vegetables — cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other produce — outside the German consulate.
The outbreak is already considered the third-largest involving E. coli in recent world history, and it may be the deadliest. Twelve people died in a 1996 Japanese outbreak that reportedly sickened more than 9,000, and seven died in a Canadian outbreak in 2000.
Would love to see that justice inquiry. Also going to research this online. Thanks.
Sorry, side note for you. Seeings how this is in your line of work, let me know if you want a copy of the justice inquiry. It's interesting and explains all the findings. I would be more then happy to send you a copy. We actually have super strict rules around water, but he managed to get around it somehow. But there is also lots of reading on it on line. Walkerton, Ontario water disaster or water scandal pulls lots up. It's just the justice inquiry is a bit more accurate. It is amazing the lengths this guy went to cover it up. It's a bit personal for me of course as this is my parents town and I know an awful lot of people there. In fact, my mother got sick and now has a heart condition. She is terminal and to this day her Dr. thinks the e.coli is what caused it. Can't be proven though. Lots' of stuff like that.
Oh yes, the laws are there. He was just not doing his job. That is why he was charged. It was a huge big scandal. He was just sitting around drinking beer (literally) instead of doing his job. When the coroner said he though it might be the water the guy literally falsified reports covering it up. He even admitted it! But I don't think he did a second of time..should have been charged with murder in my opinion. I will say this though..he left town and would not be welcomed back. And that is putting it mildly.
E-coli comes from the feces of warm blooded animals - humans included, so we all know that any fruits/veggies need to be washed thoroughly, since animals/birds can poo on them...... doesn't even hurt to douse them into a weak solution of chlorine (bleach) water (unscented - unless you want lemon or lavender tasting fruits/veggies).
adgal -- as a licensed water treatment operator, I find it totally disgusting that the person who was supposed to be testing the water, didn't do his job....... does Canada not have regulations in place to insure that this gets done? In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) both have rules and regs that we need to follow.... doesn't take long for someone not doing their job to be found out.
While I don't like to sound like a hard a**, I must confess that I've turned in more than one operator not doing the proper testing/maintaining proper chlorine residuals, etc........... totally unacceptable....
adgal -- as a licensed water treatment operator, I find it totally disgusting that the person who was supposed to be testing the water, didn't do his job....... does Canada not have regulations in place to insure that this gets done? In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) both have rules and regs that we need to follow.... doesn't take long for someone not doing their job to be found out.
While I don't like to sound like a hard a**, I must confess that I've turned in more than one operator not doing the proper testing/maintaining proper chlorine residuals, etc........... totally unacceptable....
Wow! And I hear antibiotics can actually make it worse and in this particular strain of mrsa, the kidneys fail so all they can do is watch you and give you dialysis. Im off healthy for awhile. El, you are sooo right in that this could be an apocolyptic event, or even the radiation they quit telling us about from japan even. I do believe things are gonna start happening in a big way. The world is just too mean, to go on without a wake up call.
yes nothing to eat at all ..could take a few pounds off lol
Unfortunately, both beans & rice are things that animals can take a dump on!
Looks like you're kinda scroo'd!
Looks like you're kinda scroo'd!
yup e-coli comes from animals it must get onto and contaminate veg .You wonder what to eat nowadays .,they tell you to eat healthily ..anyway prices are rising fast with inflation maybe I will live on beans and rice ...
Oh how sad! I am glad you are ok, but sorry for the others.
It is farm country and that year there was much more rain/flooding then normal. So they believe that animal manure was washed into the water system. It was a huge scandal because the person responsible for testing the water wasn't doing his job. When the first person died, the coroner issued an order to test the water. The guy that hadn't been doing his job panicked and tried to cover it up. Several people died before anyone realized what he was up to, and of course by then many more were badly infected. It was the most horrific thing I have ever seen. People are still living/dealing with the after effects as e.coli harms internal organs. Kids that will need kidney dialisis forever, that sort of thing. The guy was charged, but I don't believe he ever served any time.
I always said the fastest way a terrorist could wipe out Americans would be to tamper with coffee.
Maybe Harold Camping was right after all... it's the beginning of the end people!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but he never specifically said what KIND of apocalypse there'd be. Maybe this apocalyptic event will come in the form of a super-virus.
In all seriousness, this IS pretty scary sh*t. An antibiotic-resistant strain of a super-virus is no laughing matter. All it has to do is cross an ocean or 2, and we're ALL toast.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but he never specifically said what KIND of apocalypse there'd be. Maybe this apocalyptic event will come in the form of a super-virus.
In all seriousness, this IS pretty scary sh*t. An antibiotic-resistant strain of a super-virus is no laughing matter. All it has to do is cross an ocean or 2, and we're ALL toast.
Wow thats terrible! So I read it was due to surface water, and I get that surface water is gross, but where was the surface water from? Was it a septic, or farm or dead animal? My limited understanding of ecoli was that it was a bacteria that lives in the intenstines of animals or people.
Wow. Scary stuff. You folks probably didn't hear about it, but about 10 years ago the town my parents live in had a massive e.coli outbreak. It had gotten into the water system. So many were killed and it's a horrible germ to get. If your interested, google Walkerton Water Disaster. (that's Walkerton, Ontario)
I hope they figure out where it is coming from. It's scary stuff.
I hope they figure out where it is coming from. It's scary stuff.
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