E coli strain 'not seen before'

[Posted: Fri 03/06/2011 www.irishhealth.com]

The type of E coli that has caused deaths in Germany and Sweden has never before been seen before, according to the WHO.

The WHO said it was waiting for more information from laboratories.

Chinese scientists  have analysed the genes of the strain of E coli involved in the current outbreak in Northern Europe say it carries genes which make it resistant to some classes of antibiotics and was highly toxic.

The scientists said the outbreak, which has killed 17 and made many more ill in other countries, carries genes making it resistant to several classes of antibiotics.

Russia has banned imports of raw vegetables from the European Union as a result of the outbreak.

According to the WHO, cases of the deadly E coli bug continue to rise in Germany and 10 countries have now reported cases to the WHO. The previously reported link with cucumber consumption has now been out-ruled and the source is still unknown.

There have been no cases reported to date in Ireland.