Scientists probe DNA of E. coli for outbreak clues

[IScreamSundays]

Source: Guardian

AP Medical Writer= LONDON (AP) — Scientists are quickly combing the DNA of the killer bacteria behind the world's worst E. coli outbreak to find clues about how to treat patients and prevent future epidemics.

So far, one strain from a German patient has been sequenced by Chinese and German scientists. While the genetic information is preliminary, experts say there are a few hints about where the bacteria came from and why it might be so lethal.

The E. coli causing Europe's massive outbreak is likely the product of another strain first detected a decade ago in Germany, but with some dangerous mutations, experts say. German investigators have declared the outbreak was caused by contaminated sprouts from an organic farm in northern Germany. So far, the bug has killed 33 people and sickened nearly 3,100, including several hundred who have developed life-threatening kidney failure.

Flemming Scheutz, head of the World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre laboratory in Denmark, said the strain is particularly good at picking up new genes. Because E. coli is constantly evolving, it is riddled with genes swapped from other strains found in animals and humans, giving it countless opportunities to acquire something lethal.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/9691951

[AndyTiedye]

1. You'd Think Something Like Organic Bean Sprouts Would be Safe

[truthisfreedom]

2. Weren't there articles published about these bean sprouts actually NOT being the source?

Weren't extensive tests done that indicated no samples whatsoever actually contained the specific strain that caused so many deaths? Didn't the farmer explain that absolutely no animals are on his farm, nor are any animal products used?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/06/sprouts-e-coli-outbreak-germany-_n_871756.html

[bemildred]

3. That does not matter, people who ate bean sprouts also got sick with e. coli.

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc seems to be the new replacement for Occam's Razor.
Edit: :sarcasm:

[buddysmellgood]

4. Meanwhile, the Fukushima reactors remain a bit of a problem but don't worry. It's all under control.