Base Case Study Microbiology
Which organism is causing the food poisoning (include genus and species)? What is the most common source of contamination?
The organism causing the food poisoning is E. coli or Escherichia coli. The most common source of contamination is through food like in ground beef, venison, sausages, dried (non-cooked) salami, unpasteurized milk and cheese, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, alfalfa, parsley, radish sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, fruit, nuts, and berries, and cookie dough.
What information should Ami gather from the victims and their families?
Ami should gather what the victims have eaten prior to being sick.
Why do children seem to be the most ill?
The children seem to be the most ill because their immune system isn't fully developed and are weak, so they are at an increased risk of serious complications from E. coli.
How does this bacterium damage its victims?
The bacterium damages its victims by leading to hemorrhagic diarrhea and kidney failure. It causes, HUS or hemolytic uremic syndrome where the red...
The consumption of contaminated foods causing E. coli is because they produce Shiga toxin or Stx, which causes the aforementioned symptoms. These Shiga toxin producing E. coli enter the body's intestinal tracts and cases the infection.
5. What should be the course of treatment?
The course of treatment for E. coli is that there are no treatments that can remedy the infection, dissipate the symptoms, and prevent complexities. The best treatment is to pay close attention to fluids and nutrition. It is to ensure the patients get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids for dehydration and fatigue. As well, it is advised not to consume anti-diarrhea medicine because this can slow the digestive system, which will hamper his or her body eliminating the toxins.
6. Based on this additional information, how do you think the pies became contaminated?
The pies were contaminated by that when the contaminated hamburgers were contaminated with the E. coli and when it leaked, remnants went onto the berries in…
