Why is it in the news?

• A recent coli outbreak in the United States has resulted in one death and hospitalisation of ten individuals after consuming McDonald’s burgers.
• While the source of the infection remains unidentified, the fast-food chain has halted the sale of quarter-pound patties and slivered onions in multiple states, as these ingredients are primarily used in their burgers.

Scope of the Outbreak

• The outbreak has been confined to ten states within the United States, and there have been no reports of cases outside the country.
• However, E. coli, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms, is prevalent in India, particularly during the summer and rainy seasons when gastrointestinal infections tend to spike.

Prevalence of E. Coli Infections in India

• According to the National Centre for Disease Control, over 500 outbreaks of diarrheal diseases were reported in India in 2023.
• coli was identified as the most commonly isolated bacteria in patient samples, accounting for 23.19% of all samples collected from tertiary care hospitals, as per the latest report from ICMR’s Antimicrobial Surveillance Network.
• In response to the situation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is establishing a network of 34 microbiology labs across the country to test food products for ten pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, and listeria, addressing the lack of microbial contamination testing in many state food safety laboratories.

Symptoms of E. Coli Infection

• The most frequent symptoms of E. coli infection include a fever exceeding 102°F, persistent and bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• A significant concern is dehydration, which occurs when patients are unable to retain water and fluids. In rare instances, E. coli infection can lead to acute kidney injury.

Treatment and Medical Advice

• coli is a bacterial infection typically treated with antibiotics; however, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medication.
• The misuse of antibiotics can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, complicating the treatment of common infections. For instance, the susceptibility of E. coli to powerful antibiotics like carbapenem has significantly declined, dropping from 81.4% in 2017 to 62.7% in 2023.