2. • E. Coli is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium
that is commonly found in the lower intestine of
warm-blooded organisms (endotherms). Most E.
coli strains are harmless, but some serotypes can
cause serious food poisoning in humans, and are
occasionally responsible for product recalls due
to food contamination. The harmless strains are
part of the normal flora of the gut, and can
benefit their hosts by producing vitamin K2,and
by preventing the establishment of pathogenic
bacteria within the intestine.
3. • E. Coli is mostly found in the intestines of
cattle
5. Treatment
• There is no proven treatment with medication
• Proper hydration and nutrition are advised
• Antibiotics do no have any proven effect
• Anti-diarrhea medications are discouraged
6. Prevention
• Cook ground beef well done
• Be careful when preparing food (don’t
cross contaminate)
• Wash hands with soap before starting
to cook
• Keep foods refrigerated or frozen
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• Refrigerate left overs right away
• Wash hands carefully with soap and
water after using the washroom
7. How it gets spread
• Ingesting tiny amounts of
human or animal feces
– Consumption of
contaminated food
– Unpasteurized (raw) milk
– Water that has not been
disinfected
• Contact with cattle
• Contact with the feces of
infected people
