FOOD BORNE ILLNESSES

Food Borne Illnesses

In this write-up, I chose to focus on Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC, as Sandhu and Gyle (2002) point out, refers to a collection of E.coli bacteria that produces toxins associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and diarrhea in humans. HUS may be characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure. The said bacteria is found in the small intestines of healthy cattle. Compared to other forms of E.coli bacteria, Sandhu and Gyle (2002) found that strains of STEC can easily be differentiated (from a biological perspective) owing to their serotype O157:H7. According to Sandhu and Gyle (2002), serotype 0157:H7 happens to be the most common type of serotype that is associated with STEC infection in humans. The said serotype, which is found in cattle, attaches itself to intestines of cattle through natural exposure.

Despite the fact that serotype 0157:H7...

This is more so the case owing to the fact that adherence of cattle to eliciting dysenteric response happens to be limited (Sandhu and Gyle, 2002). For this reason, STEC is transmitted to...…in 2021. However, the incidence rate at the national level happens to be higher than that of Florida. Whereas the incidence rate of Florida happens to be constant between 2018 and 2019, the incidence rate at the national level between the said years increases slightly. It is evident from the data collected that the spread of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli is increasing with time in both Florida and across the country. Therefore, it would be prudent to note that strict prevention measures ought to be taken so as to rein in STEC infection-related morbidity and mortality.

NB: The relevant visuals have been included…