Context:
US has been battling the E. coli outbreak through contaminated food.
E. coli (Escherichia coli):
- Rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium (showing high resistant to antibiotics) found in the intestines of humans and most mammals.
- Most strains are harmless and beneficial for gut health, but some can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
- Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Can spread through undercooked meat and unpasteurized beverages.
- Transmission – Can be contagious and spread from person to person.
- Impact – By producing a toxin called Shiga that damages the lining of your small intestine and causes diarrhea.
- Treatment – Antibiotics are prescribed, but indiscriminate use leads to Antimicrobial Resistance
- E. coli’s resistance to strong antibiotics like carbapenem has increased, with susceptibility dropping from 81.4% in 2017 to 62.7% in 2023.
- Prevalence in India – Common, with over 500 outbreaks of diarrheal diseases reported in 2023.
Read more about Bacterial Pathogens Priority List
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
