E.Coli

1. What is it? A common type of bacteria and germ that lives in the digestive tracts of humans and animals.



2. Is it eubacteria or archaebacteria? It is eubacteria.



3. How can you get it? Come in contact with the feces , or stool, of human's or animals. This happen's when you drink water or eat food that has been contaminated by feces. Foods that can be infected with E.Coli include : raw milk or dairy products , bacreria can spread from a cows udders to it's milk, raw vegetables, such as lettuce,alfalfa,sprouts,or unpasterized apple cider or other juices that come in contact with infected animal feces.



4. What are the symptoms? Bloddy diarrhea is the main symptom E.coli infection. You may also have stomach cramps and nausea and vomiting. Some people don't have any symptoms. Children more likely than adult's have symptoms. Symptoms start 3 or 4 days after contact.



5. How is it diagnosed? Your stool is tested for E.Coli and doctor asks you questions.



6. How is it treated? E.Coli goes away on it's own. You have to drink water,or you can get dehydrated.



7. How can you keep from getting E.Coli infection? Cook all type of beef, but especially ground beef.



8. Other Information? U.S department of agriculture (USDA) are developing methods to detect bacteria and keep them out of meat packing plants.