Resistant E. coli Threatens the USA

Resistant E. coli Threatens the USA

By Dr. P.A. Pappas 2016

Anti-biotic resistant forms of Escherichia coli or E. coli bacteria are becoming more common in the US.Overuse of anti-biotics is the main cause of anti-biotic resistance.

Escherichia coli are a frequent cause of life-threatening infections and other common infections, such as urinary tract infections and food poisoning.Antibiotic resistance rates for E. coli are rapidly rising, especially with regard to fluoroquinolone (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox) anti-biotics and third and fourth-generation cephalosporin anti-biotics.The fluoroquinolone anti-biotics and third and fourth-generation cephalosporin anti-biotics are commonly used anti-biotics.

Drug-resistant E. coli are readily acquired via the diet (food and water).Poor food hygiene is the major cause.When people eat sterile food, there is a rapid and substantial fall in the numbers of drug-resistant E. coli these people carry.Catheterization of hospital patients is another way E. coli develops.Between 15-25% of hospitalized patients, receive urinary catheterization during their hospital stay. Thousands of catheters are used every day and are major route of infection.These infections are treated with anti-biotics, causing resistance to develop, and eventually resistant E. coli are passed from person to person in the hospital and the community.

What remains unclear is where the drug-resistant E. coli in our foods are coming from.Are they mainly human strains (poor food hygiene and hand washing), that contaminate our food and water, or are these strains mainly derived from contaminated foods?Many recent outbreaks of E.coli have been traced to salads and spouts.Raw meats or improperly cooked meats have always been a source of E. coli.

E. coli bacteria mainly located in the digestive tract, is also present in urine during a urinary tract infection. Women are at a higher risk of contracting an infection of the bladder, and E. coli is often responsible.

Adults typically recover from an E. coli infection within a week.Some infected individuals will have lingering gut disturbance or urinary tract problems. Older adults and young children can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure. Rest and fluids treat symptoms of E. coli and doctors use blood transfusions, IV fluids, and kidney dialysis to treat serious E. coli infections.However, most cases of E. coli are treated with oral anti-biotics.

When an individual is given an anti-biotic for an E. coli infection, the anti-biotic kills most of the E. coli but the most virulent bacteria survive.Those super bugs now replace the dead bacteria in our bodies putting the individual at greater risk of a more serious life threatening infection.These super bugs or bacteria may be resistant to most if not all anti-biotics.When anti-biotics fail to work people die.

Women suffering from urinary tract infections (UTI) often find themselves developing re-occurring UTI infections, along with additional anti-biotic treatment.Urinary tract infections are generally caused by E. coli bacteria.Chronic urinary tract infections are common and difficult to manage suggesting anti-biotic resistance.

The advent of “phage” therapy has changed the outcome of urinary tract infections and E. coli infections.Bacteriophages attack and destroy E. coli and other bacteria.Phages don’t become resistant or cause resistance.They are very effective against anti-biotic resistant E. coli.

Probiophage DF is a leader in bacteriophage therapy.It is effective in treatment of E.coli infection including chronic urinary tract infections.If you fail to respond to anti-biotics or developed a resistant infection, Probiophage DF is the ideal choice.Response is usually rapid and without side effects.Chronic infections may require extended use ofProbiophage DF to prevent relapse.Available at www.earthfoods.us or call 215-794-5311 and earthfoods@gmail.com.