Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
ANKARA INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH-IX, Ankara, Türkiye, 26 - 29 Aralık 2023, ss.601-606
Escherichia
coli are Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacilli
found as normal intestinal flora in all warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Some strains of E. coli produce Shiga
toxin, which is encoded by the stx1 and/or stx2 gene. It is called “Shiga toxin
producing E. coli” or STEC for short. Symptoms of STEC infections vary from
person to person. Some infections are very mild, but some are severe and
life-threatening. Most often severe, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and
vomiting are observed. Usually the fever is not very high. Most people recover
within 5-7 days. Shiga toxin causes premature destruction of red blood cells,
which blocks the kidneys, the body's filtering system, and in some rare cases
(usually in children and the elderly) causes hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS),
which can lead to kidney failure and even death. Symptoms of HUS include
decreased urination frequency, lethargy, and paleness of the cheeks. Nervous
system complications occur in 25% of HUS patients, leading to paralysis.
Domestic and wild animals, mostly food contaminated with fecal matter from
cattle, are the main source of STEC. The main source of human diseases is
cattle. According to the report published in 2021, STEC infections rank fourth
among foodborne diseases seen in humans in European Union countries. Similarly,
in the United States, it has been reported as the fourth (non-STEC O157) and fifth
(STEC O157) list of foodborne diseases. Determining the type of STEC is
important for public health in preventing epidemics. Nonspecific supportive
treatment, including hydration, is important. It is not recommended to use
antibiotics for treatment purposes. In preventing STEC infections, hand washing
and hygiene habits, preventing cross-contamination, not consuming raw or
undercooked meat, and avoiding consumption of unpasteurized milk are important.
Key
Words: E.coli,
STEC, Shiga toxin, Food.