Thursday, February 28, 2013

Know The Symptoms Related To Coliform Bacteria In Water

By Marguerite Stanton


If you are not already aware, coliform bacteria in water is a group of pathogens that usually cause gastrointestinal disturbances in the body. As a member of the enterobacteria family, the bacteria is usually associated with several strains of E. Coli, shigella and salmonella. All are capable of causing diarrhea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections.

A most common disturbance that one can expect to have if infected is diarrhea. In severe cases, people will often notice blood leave the body with their stools. This is usually considered to be a case of dysentery. Other more troubling symptoms that justify the appearance of this condition include a high fever, abdominal pains, and a irreversible intolerance to lactose. If not treated immediately, a person will begin to vomit blood, become incoherent and/or delusional.

If diarrhea is a symptom that occurs without bleeding, then a person is possibly dealing with an E. Coli infection. This infection clears on its own in a few days. If the symptoms become worse after three days then it is possible that an individual has a more lethal form of E. Coli in their body. The more dangerous strains can usually cause hemolytic uremic syndrome.

When a bacterial infection results in flu-like symptoms, it is possible that the infected person has typhoid fever. Symptoms that will justify the presence of the fever include an actual fever, recurring headaches, loss of appetite and stomach tenderness. In all previous cases of a typhoid fever, a red path that appears to be a rash develops on or near the chest area of the infected individual. This disease is fatal if not treated immediately.

Coliform infections also have their affect on women, especially those that are pregnant, nursing or have poor immune systems. The creation of urinary tract infection are usually caused by this bacterial agent. Surprisingly, the infection does not occur by drinking or eating contaminated foods. A more direct skin contact is usually the cause of the disturbance. It is possible that consuming contaminated foods can lead to the disturbance of healthy body in the body, which could then lead to the urinary tract infection.

When individuals begin to develop a blood infection, it is possible that they are suffering from yersinia. This organism is much more dangerous than other types of bacteria because they are not affected by very cold temperatures, which means they can survive refrigeration. If the disease moves beyond the intestinal system they will then begin to infect the blood and travel to other organs. Immediate action must be taken when this bacterial infection is suspected to be within a person.

Coliform is usually known to be contained in animal products and bi-products. As of recently, the outbreaks have been centered around fresh produce. The last outbreaks, as you may know were centered around lettuce and spinach. This goes to show that bacterial contamination does not only exist in undercooked animal meat.

To protect yourself and your family members, always wash your foods, both produce and animal products if possible. You may even want to go a little beyond that by cleansing your foods in very diluted chlorinated water to stay clear of coliform bacteria in water that your foods may carry. Also as an important note, always wash your hands before dealing with any type of food.




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