Deadly E. Coli Sticks Like Glue
by Erin Podolak | 1:03 pm, June 3rd
In May, a form of the bacteria Escherichia coli (better known as E. coli) began infecting people in Germany and other parts of Europe. Now, with 18 dead and over 1,500 people infected, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the strain responsible for the outbreak has never before been isolated from a human patient, making it a completely new strain.
Designated as 0104:H4, the new E. coli strain combines two particularly dangerous elements — toxin and “glue.” Genetic analysis has shown that the strain is in a class of E. coli called STEC that produces Shiga toxin, which causes diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) by attacking the kidneys and causing subsequent coma, seizure, and stroke.
Researchers believe that like other STEC’s, this strain contains a “glue” or protein that helps the bacteria cling to the cells in the intestine.
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