Diseases Acquired through the alimentary routeBotulismHemorrhagic colitis (Escherichia Coli 0157:H7)

Clostridium botulinum

Gram-positive bacteria Rod shaped Most commonly found in the soil Spore forming Strict anaerobe Heat sensitive Prefers low acidic environment

Botulism

Severe intoxication from the exotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum Results in a life-threatening paralytic illness

Systemic illness When the toxin is ingested in contaminated food is

absorbed from the intestine into the system, it results in the paralysis of cranial and peripheral nerves

Transmission

Generally the result of eating foods that have been inadequately cooked, allowing the toxin to form

In the U.S. home canned fruit and vegetables have been involved in most botulism cases

Outbreaks

The largest botulism outbreaks in the U.S. in the past 19 yrs. occurred in El Paso, Texas: April 1994 The toxin had formed in aluminum foil-wrapped baked

potatoes held at room temperature for several days before they were used in a potato-based dip at a restaurant

30 people were affected and 4 required mechanical ventilation

Symptoms

The first signs generally relate to the effects of the toxin on the nervous system Person may experience dizziness, difficulty in

swallowing, and double vision Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur earlier, ant

the same time or later Descending paralysis and death usually occurs from

respiratory paralysis

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment Intramuscular (IM) or

IV administration of botulinum antitoxin

Prevention Effective control of processing

and preparation of commercially canned and preserved foods

Educating everybody that prepares and serves food

Any bulging cans or jars that do not seem sealed should not be opened or used

Potatoes which have been baked while wrapped in aluminum foil should be kept hot until served or refrigerated

E. coli

E. Coli

Gram negative Morphology: Straight rods Aerobic/Facultative anaerobic Not spore forming Non capsulated and motile

E. Coli

E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the intestines of all animals including humans

Useful function in the body: suppresses the growth of harmful bacterial species and helps in the synthesis of vitamins

Only some E. coli are pathogenic Cause either diarrhea or illness outside the intestinal

wall

E. coli

Consists of a diverse group of bacteria Pathogenic E. coli strains are categorized into pathotypes

Six pathotypes are associated with diarrhea EHEC- enterohemorrhagic E. coli: hemorrhagic colitis or

hemolytic uremic syndrome Also referred to as Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC)

ETEC- enterotoxogenic E. coli- traveler’s diarrhea EPEC- enteropathogenic E. coli- childhood diarrhea EIEC- enteroinvasive E. coli- Shigella like dysentery EAEC- eteroadherent E. coli- childhood diarrhea, some cases of

traveler’s diarrhea EAggEC- enteroaggregative E. coli- persistent diarrhea in

developing countries

Transmission

By ingestion of contaminated food or water Person to person Organism can be found in hamburger and other

meats different sources including apple juice, coleslaw, jerky

made from dear meat, and alfalfa sprouts

http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2012/O157H7-11-12/index.html

Organism responsible for hemorrhagic colitis: Escherichia coli 0157:H7

Symptoms

Severe cramping and diarrhea are the first symptoms

Diarrhea is watery at first, but in most victims, becomes bloody

Occasional vomiting Low grade fever or none at all Illness lasts and avg. of 8 days

Treatment

Most cases require not therapy, but fluid replacement may be necessary

Some evidence has shown that antibiotic treatment can increase the risk of complications, but further investigation needs to be done

Prevention

Families of people who are ill need to be educated about possible person-to person transmission

“Ten Golden Rules for Food Preparation” by WHO Choose food processed for safety Cook food thoroughly Eat cooked food immediately Store cooked food carefully Reheat cooked foods thoroughly Avoid contact between raw and cooked foods What hands repeatedly Keep all kitchen surfaces meticulously clean Protect foods from insects, rodents, and other animals Use pure water