Coli and IT\'s Filamentous Morphology.

coli and it's filamentous morphology. The association of E. coli and meningitis is discussed, as is its relationship to lung infections. Lastly, one of the larger single source outbreaks is briefly reviewed.

coli

Escherichia coli Overview:

Theodor Escherich is credited with the discovery of Escherichia coli, in the late nineteenth century. Hacker and Blum-Oehler (2007) surmise, E. coli is the best understood cellular life form, primarily because of its role as a model organism and the molecular biological 'workhorse' of numerous laboratories around the world. Moreover, E. coli is not only a harmless intestinal inhabitant, but is also a highly versatile pathogen that contributes significantly to the burden of infectious disease.

Normally found in the stomach and intestines, when E. coli is consumed via fecally contaminated food or drink, or transmitted through the bite of an insect, if can be significant cause of bacterial diarrhea (Pakalniskiene et al., 2009). E. coli utilizes the Dr. family of adhesins for adhesion in the intestine and urinary tract (Cegelski, Marshall, Eldridge, & Hutgren, 2008).

E. coli's Filamentous Morphology:

Justice, Hunstad, Cegelski, and Hultgren's (2008) research demonstrates one of the many arsenals of tools bacteria have at their disposal -- filamentous morphology. The researchers note that uropathogenic E. coli are the predominant cause of urinary tract infections. During acute infection of mammals, the E. coli bacteria invade the superficial epithelial cells in the bladder. They then follow a complex development cycle that the authors state, at this stage, is associated with a morphological plasticity. The bacteria grows to form intracellular bacterial communities. As the community matures, a subpopulation of the bacterial community begins a distinct development program, in which cell division is inhibited. This leads to the formation of filamentous bacteria that can react 70 ?m in length.

E. coli and Meningitis:

Bacterial meningitis still has substantial mortality and morbidity rates despite advancements in antimicrobial chemotherapy and supportive care. In industrialized countries, the fatality rates for bacterial meningitis are 5 to 10 percents. In addition, 30 to 50% of survivors of bacterial meningitis develop permanent neurological sequelae. E. coli, according to Zou, He, Chi, Jong, and Huang (2008), is the most common gram-negative microorganism that causes meningitis in the neonatal period. Hematogenous spread is the primary cause of most cases of E. coli meningitis. The bacteria enters the central nervous system at the blood brain barrier, which is composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells.

E. coli and Lung Infections:

Lung infections are a significant source of disease globally. In addition, lung infections are the leading cause of acute lung injury. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common agent in those who have community-acquired pneumonia, gram-negative rods, like E. coli, are also a frequent cause of nosocomial pneumonia, as noted by Quinton, Jones, Robson, and Simms (2008). "Elimination of these and other pathogens from the lower respiratory tract is made possible by an effective innate immune response, which is necessary yet potentially dangerous to the infected host."

E. coli Outbreak:

There have been numerous E.coli outbreaks over the years. Pakalniskiene, Falkenhorst, Lisby, and Madsen (2009) studied one of the larger single source outbreaks. On November 11th, 2006, there was an outbreak in Greater Copenhagen, Denmark. The director of a high school had contacted the regional health authority to report an outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting among guests of a school dinner party. A total of 750 people, nearly all of the teachers and students at the school, had attended the dinner. The evening, the first people became sick. Three days later, when the director made the report, approximately 200 to 300 teachers and students had reported gastroenteritis. It was found that the fresh basil used in the pesto sauce was the likely culprit of the E.coli bacteria.