New Super-Toxic E-Coli Strain

Scientists are concerned about the spread of a “super-toxic” strain of E. coli bacteria in Europe. Via Yahoo News:

But while suspicion has fallen on raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as the source of the germ, researchers have been unable to pinpoint the food responsible for the frightening illness, which has killed at least 18 people, sickened more than 1,600 and spread to least 10 European countries.

An alarmingly large number of victims – about 500 – have developed kidney complications that can be deadly.

Chinese and German scientists analyzed the DNA of the E. coli bacteria and determined that the outbreak was caused by “an entirely new, super-toxic” strain that contains several antibiotic-resistant genes, according to a statement from the Shenzhen, China-based laboratory BGI. It said the strain appeared to be a combination of two types of E. coli.

Russia has issued a ban on vegetables from Spain and Germany to try to stop the outbreak spreading. The outbreak is already considered the third-largest involving E. coli in recent world history, and it may be the deadliest.