Escherichia coli (E. coli) are gram-negative bacteria that can survive in an environment with or without air (facultative anaerobes) and, depending on the environment, may or may not produce thin hair-like structures (flagella or pili) that allow the bacteria to move and to attach to human cells. These bacteria commonly live in the intestines of people and animals worldwide. There are many strains (over 700 serotypes) of E. coli. Most of the E. coli are normal inhabitants of the small intestine and colon and do not cause disease in the intestines (non-pathogenic). Nevertheless, these non-pathogenic E. coli can cause disease if they spread outside of the intestines, for example, into the urinary tract (where they cause bladder or kidney infections), or into the blood stream (sepsis). Other E. coli strains (enterovirulent E. coli strains or EEC) cause “poisoning” or diarrhea even though they usually remain within the intestine by producing toxins or intestinal inflammation. There are four to six groups (some researchers combine groups) of E. coli strains that comprise EEC.

• EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli)
• ETEC (enterotoxigenic E. coli)
• EPEC (enteropathogenic E. coli)
• EIEC (enteroinvasive E. coli
• EAEC (enteroadherent E. coli
• EAggEC (enteroaggregative E. coli)

E. coli were first isolated by T. Escherich in 1885 and were named after him. The over 700 serotypes are identified by small antigenic changes in their surface “O” antigens (lipopolysaccharides or molecules on the bacterial surface of gram-negative bacteria), for example E. coli 0157 or E. coli 055. These serotypes are identified by immunological tests. E coli strains are further distinguished by “H” protein antigens (different types of flagella that make the bacteria motile). Consequently, a particular E. coli strain can be identified as H, followed by a number, and this identifier is added to the “O” name; for example, E. coli 0157:H7. Although this name designation seems complicated, researchers and clinicians use these antigenic identifiers to track specific E. coli strains that cause outbreaks of disease.

Prevention

Where mammal and tick infection is common agricultural regulations require de-ticking farm animals before transportation or delivery for slaughter. Personal tick avoidance measures are recommended, such as use of insect repellents, adequate clothing and body inspection for adherent ticks.

When feverish patients with evidence of bleeding require resuscitation or intensive care, body substance isolation precautions should be taken.

The United States armed forces maintain special stocks of ribavirin to protect personnel deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq from CCHF.

Treatment

Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, as there is no established specific treatment. Ribavirin is effective in vitro^[1] and has been used during outbreaks,^[2] but there is no trial evidence to support its use.

Scientists believe Congo virus not imported

NEW DELHI: The virus causing the deadly Crimea Congo Haemorrhagic
Fever (CCHF) has been found “in high quantities” from ticks collected
from parts of Ahmedabad. Ticks infected don’t die of it unlike humans
but actually facilitate their transmission.

This has made scientists from the National Institute of Virology
(Pune) believe that the virus is now openly circulating in the
environment and has not been brought into India from other CCHF
endemic countries.

Director of NIV Dr A C Mishra told TOI that two pools of ticks (20
ticks) collected from the area, which has reported positive cases of
CCHF for the first time in India among humans, “had very high viral
content”.

Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

History of World Aids Day

World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland

HIV: The basics

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system – the body’s defence against diseases. Get the basic facts about HIV.

Make a pledge and join people all over the world making a difference on 1 December 2010.

source : http://worldaidsday.org

World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the second of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.