E-Coli Bacteria: How & Why?

E-Coli Bacteria: How & Why?

News of the bacterium Escherichia Coli (E-Coli) some current and many are being discussed, because it has discovered a new strain with the name Enterohaemorrhagic E Coli (EHEC) is the acquisition of new genes that can directly attack the kidney, these bacteria could trigger a dangerous disease and lethal condition called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), especially in Europe until the United States (U.S.) of the outstanding one of them through raw vegetables & fruits. 

E coli bacteria on vegetables in Europe is taking place in Germany in mid-May 2011 and then spread to result in death more than 20 people. Besides in Germany, a similar outbreak was found in 11 other countries, namely: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain and the United States. 

The following statements relating to the New Bacteria Strain E-Coli: 

"Differences of habit. People Indonesia if vegetables are washed before eating. In Europe, because they believe their system is good, so crops are produced, they eat. They believe because of the logistics system distirbusinya hygienic. So actually we benefit. We do not have to worry about the origin always keep hygiene and wash vegetables and fruits, "said Chairman of the Association of Food and Beverage All Indonesia (Gapmmi) Adhi S Lukman in Jakarta.

"This new type of E. coli has not entered Indonesia, Most people in Europe experienced illness due to E. coli due to the consumption of vegetables are not washed clean. So, to prevent E. coli is similar to prevent diarrheal diseases, "Health Minister Endang Rahayu.

Secretary General of Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association of Indonesia Komar Muljawibawa also believes the deadly bacteria will not interfere with vegetable Indonesia. "It is certain yet spread to Indonesia. For tropical countries, this bacterium is difficult to live," 
he explained.

"If the bacteria E Coli in Indonesia has become a daily occurrence, which in Indonesia is now not lead to such fatal incidents in Europe" said Siti Fadila Supari Former Health Minister

"The hypothesis which has been circulated to provoke public concern for the consumption of vegetables. That's not true. Because the laboratory analysis did not support the hypothesis that contaminated vegetables are a source of infection," the Italian Institute for Health Research Laboratory (ISS)

"All you need not worry about the possibility will spread to Asian countries including Indonesia and the government needs to anticipate them," said the politician of the National Mandate Party (PAN) member of Commission IV (Agricultural Commission) House of Representatives, Amran

AFP reported in Japan based on the last report, now 20 people who became ill in Toyama prefecture, 15 are infected with the bacteria E. coli after eating at the famous restaurant outlets Gyukaku on 6 May.

Outbreaks of disease caused by Escherichia coli that hit Europe allegedly caused by sprouts that grow on organic farms in Germany. This was stated by the German Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday (05/06/2011), following the increasing extent of the outbreak that has killed 22 people and made 2,200 people sick. 

Gastro-intestinal infections caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E coli) in general will cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps at most a week after eating contaminated food. However, in cases of outbreaks caused by one strain of E coli, the sufferer may experience a rare kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. (Kompas.com / June 3, 2011) 

When we eat food contaminated with E coli, these organisms in the gut will remove toxins and absorbed into the blood vessels are then carried by white blood cells (leucocytes) to the kidneys. This will lead to acute renal impairment. 

More impact of this disease is fatal brain damage, seizures, even coma. This disease can also cause complications in organ pancreas and other organs. 

In addressing these bacterial infections, doctors in Europe and the United States no longer prescribe antibiotics since some studies show that the move was actually worsen the patient's condition. 

"It seems that antibiotics make the bacteria explode and poison in it out and cause damage," said Dr. Buddy Creech, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, as reported by CNN. 

According to him, until now no specific treatment for the bacteria overcome the malignancy.

What is E-coli? 

Escherichia coli, or commonly abbreviated as E. coli, is one of the main species of gram-negative bacteria. In general, bacteria that was discovered by Theodor Escherich can be found in the human colon. Most E. Coli are harmless, but some, such as E. Coli type O157: H7, can cause serious food poisoning in humans. E. Coli are harmless can benefit humans by producing vitamin K2, or by preventing other baketi in the gut. 


E. coli is widely used in genetic engineering technology. Usually used as vectors to insert specific genes are desired to be developed. E.coli was chosen because it grows very fast and easy in handling.