E. coli 0157:H7
We know that we have DNA, RNA and plasmid transfers between bacteria in wastewater treatment plants.
We also know that laboratories have been manipulating genetic material in bacteria and viruses for years.
The questions then becomes: did the 0157 mutate naturally in the treatment plant process; or did the 0157
escape from a laboratory; or do we have a case for agro-terrorism through treated sewage effluent and
sludge?
In either case, people are getting deathly sick and many are dying. So why in God's name, or the devil's if
you prefer, would the state and federal government promote spreading this deadly bacteria as well as other
deadly bacteria, viruses and parasites on our food crops in sewage effluent and sludge -- not to forget
spreading it on our parks and lawns? Most legitimate scientists know bacteria have a viable, but
nonculturable stage that the so called "water professionals" don't seem to understand.
Do the regulators feel this is OK because only a few children and old folk will be killed?
Gene Sequence of Deadly E. Coli Reveals Surprisingly Dynamic Genome
The just completed genome sequence of a deadly type of Escherichia coli bacteria suggests that the microbe frequently
picks up new DNA from other bacteria and bacterial viruses, including genes that may help explain why this organism is
exceptionally virulent and sometimes difficult to treat. The results of this sequencing project, supported by the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), are reported in the upcoming January 25 issue of Nature.
"E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most dangerous pathogens threatening our food and water supplies," says Anthony S.
Fauci, M.D., director of NIAID. "Better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent E. coli O157:H7 infections are badly needed.
This new information will provide important leads to scientists working to reduce the human and economic burdens of
this important pathogen."
The food-borne pathogen E. coliO157:H7 has been sequenced. Dr. Mae-Wan Ho asks whether genetic
engineering might have contributed towards its emergence.
E. coli 0157:H7 is a food-borne pathogenic strain of bacteria that emerged in the United States in the 1980s, and is now
responsible for some 75 000 cases of infection annually in that country. It has also been responsible for major
outbreaks in Scotland, Japan and elsewhere since.
its closest relative turns out to be the laboratory strain K-12 MG1655. E. coli O157 has acquired shiga toxin genes (from
the bacteria Shigella) and plasmids containing virulence factors by horizontal gene transfer.