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E. Coli : H7

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E. coli O157:H7 is a gram negative, rod shaped bacteria that is being found in many foodborne and waterborne illnesses. It is also called Hemorrhagic colitis, the acute disease caused by E. coli (EHEC) because it causes abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. It generally lives in the intestines of healthy humans and is generally harmless. It is also found in healthy cattle and can contaminate meat during slaughtering, as it produces a toxin that can cause illness. The E.coli O157:H7 is rare variety of E. coli that produces large quantities of one or more related, potent toxins that cause severe damage to the lining of the intestine. The Verotoxins that cause the disease are also called shiga toxins, because they were acquired from the Shigella strain. It is believed that the widespread use of antibiotics by American farmers has promoted the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenicity islands that has led to the creation of new pathogenic strains such as E. coli O157:H7. It was first identified as a new cause of disease in the United States in 1982 after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses from undercooked meat after eating hamburgers from fast food restaurants. It has also been found in the drinking water in Washington County, New York and in some area swimming waters in Clark County Washington in 1999. Other outbreaks in recent years have been found in alfalfa sprouts, unpasteurized fruit juices, dry-cured salami, lettuce, game meat, and cheese

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