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In: Biology

Why EHEC outbreaks have become so prevalent. Discuss factors that allow the bacteria to survive some...

  • Why EHEC outbreaks have become so prevalent.
  • Discuss factors that allow the bacteria to survive some environments but not in others.
  • Why are outbreaks of EHEC more prevalent compared to other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Clostridium?

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Expert Solution

Answers:

  • EHEC is Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, a part of the micro flora of the gut. The infections with EHEC are becoming more prevalent because of indiscriminate use of antibiotics and add to that some unhygienic practices.
    Due to rampant use of antibiotics even when not indicated, the normal flora of sensitive bacteria gets destroyed and hence pathogenic flora or pathogenic strains of normal flora gain a better foot hold in the gut resulting in increase in prevalence of these diseases. EHEC is a subtype of Escherichia coli which is mainly spread by contaminated food and water, including met and raw vegetables etc.
    Helping the EPHC is their ability to secret a shiga like toxin which damages the lining of the stomach wall and causes bloody diarrhoea. This factor also help them cause the HUS or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, where in the toxin enters the blood stream and start destroying RBCs leading to anaemia and a host lot of more symptoms. This can't be treated with antibiotics as it is only the toxin that enters the blood and not bacteria. Patients developing HUS need immediate hospitalization.
  • Bacteria in general develop characteristics that help them survive hostile environments, most common being producing endospores which are least affected by environmental changes and are meant for survival of the species. Some bacteria like vibrio have the ability to not only survive but also thrive in pH around 9.2 which is too alkaline for other bacteria to survive. Some bacteria like Helicobacter pylori survive in the gut lining that protects them from hostile acidic environment. Also, Clostridia can survive the stomach acid.
    Common phages which infect bacteria also bestow upon them ability to survive hostile environments.
  • EHEC is more prevalent than infection with other food borne pathogens like Salmonella and Clostridium because EPEC is a subtype of E.coli which is common commensal in the gut. EPEC are present in the gut as part of normal flora but do not get chance to exclusively establish themselves in a normal healthy person, but can easily do so in immunocompromised and elderly or very young children. Their incidents have also increased due to our food habits. Undercooked meet and improperly cleaned salad are two most common sources of EPEC if handled unhygienically.

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