A New Rochelle-based science journal released another clue into our understanding of E. coli bacteria. According to the study published Tuesday in Microbial Drug Resistance, if E. coli bacteria are exposed to small amounts of low-level antibiotics, then the bacteria will develop a greater resistance to antibiotics. The three antibiotics found to increase resistance are amoxicillin, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin.
E. coli, which is found in food and water, has been the scourge of many deaths in Germany the past few weeks. The current outbreak in Europe has resulted in several deaths and has seriously sickened thousands of individuals with life-threatening complications.
The medical community generally acknowledges that adding antibiotics to a treatment plan for E. coli is not recommended. With Tuesdays study, it is now confirmed that low-level antibiotics could actually complicate E. coli and extend the suffering of the patient.
Tips to avoid E. coli:
Cook ground beef completely, as it may be contaminated with the bacterium.
Only consume pasteurized milk.
Wash your hands frequently.
Use a filter on your water, which acts as a guard against chance contamination when pipe leaks and repairs are made.
The full study is available online.
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