Exposure to various microbial agents is one of the serious threats experienced by today’s communities. Under such circumstances, a person may develop a range of physical conditions, from minor inconveniences to severe ones. In this regard, it is vital to research the microbial-environmental interactions in order to remain prepared for these organisms’ detrimental effects on humanity. Escherichia Coli (E. coli) is one of the most studied bacteria that, however, continues to pose a threat to the well-being of many communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), E. coli is commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded species, including humans (WHO, 2018). It is a gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium belonging to the family of Enterobacteriaceae and shaped like a rod (Government of Canada, n.d.). E. coli grows under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, with temperatures between 7 and 50 degrees Celsius, 37oC being the most optimal one (WHO, 2018). Due to its original habitat, the bacterium is often found in animal meat and human organisms, being transmitted through the ingestion of the former or personal contact.
Exposure to E. coli causes its transfer from the initial host to the contaminated organism. In light of the fact that this bacterium’s reproduction conditions are relatively common, its prevalence is considerable. Nevertheless, the WHO (2018) notes that the majority of its strains remain harmless. However, a few exceptions, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, become the primary cause of severe conditions stemming from the consumption of contaminated food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report an array of particular symptoms of this condition, including blood-containing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, patients develop a fever of up to 101o F, and the condition improves only after five to seven days. While most cases do not require immediate medical attention, the CDC (2021) advises seeking professional clinical help if the diarrhea is accompanied by traces of blood, the fever passes the 101o F threshold, or if the symptoms persist for four days without improvements. Normally, the incubation period is three to four days, but the actual range can vary from one to ten days after exposure.
The considerable growth potential of E. coli in the organism is the key factor of its danger. The bacterium survives and reproduces itself under the normal conditions of the human body. With a survival range between 7 and 50 degrees Celsius, E. coli successfully reproduces in most environments on Earth, especially within the warm-blooded organism. The normal temperature of the human body coincides with the perfect environment for its replication (Haman et al., 2019). E. coli employs the principle of colonization to spread throughout an organism by cell division. Having identified fitting environmental conditions, the bacterium elongates itself, creating a copy with an identical genome. By suppressing the NF-κB activation in cells, the bacterium can evade the immune response, as well (Cui et al., 2020). This way, the dangerous varieties of E. coli can survive in the body, causing prolonged damage and major inconveniences.
Considering the harm caused by E. coli strains and their widespread, experts and researchers devote much attention to threat prevention and elimination. The CDC (2017) emphasizes the fact that E. coli contamination virtually means food poisoning, which is why preventive measures are prepared accordingly. The regulator highlights the importance of proper hygiene, especially in terms of washing fresh fruit, vegetables, and hands. For children’s safety, all the objects that can be placed in the mouth without permission should be kept away from their reach. As E. coli is commonly found in raw meat, it is strongly recommended to cook all meat products thoroughly. The bacterium naturally dies when the temperatures are above 50 degrees Celsius, which is why proper heat exposure promotes food safety. If the contamination was not prevented, the WHO (2018) recommends the usual procedures in case of poisoning, including bed rest, proper hydration, and corresponding medication for severe cases. If the disease persists or the symptoms are too strong, immediate medical attention is advised.
References
CDC. (2017). E. coli: Prevention. Web.
CDC. (2021). E. coli: Symptoms. Web.
Cui, L., Wang, H., Lin, J., Wang, Y., Dong, J., Li, J., & Li, J. (2020). Progesterone inhibits inflammatory response in E.coli – or LPS-Stimulated bovine endometrial epithelial cells by NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Developmental & Comparative Immunology, 105, 103568. Web.
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Pathogen safety data sheets: Infectious substances – Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic. Web.
Haman, N., Morozova, K., Tonon, G., Scampicchio, M., & Ferrentino, G. (2019). Antimicrobial effect of picea abies extracts on E. coli growth. Molecules, 24(22), 4053. Web.
WHO. (2018). E. coli. Web.