The presence of E. coli and other kinds of bacteria within our intestines is necessary for us to develop properly and remain healthy. E. coli, along with other species of bacteria, provide us with many necessary vitamins. The bacteria make the vitamins, and our bodies gladly absorb them. We pretty much depend upon E. coli in our intestines for our source of Vitamin K and B-complex.
There are, however, certain strains of E. coli that can be very harmful to us. There is a one strain in particular which is known to cause severe hemorrhaging. This strain is a protein which causes severe damage to the intestine. The damage is so severe that if we acquire this bacterial strain, not only do we lose water and salts, blood vessels are damaged, and bleeding occurs. This condition is particularly dangerous to small children who are too small to tolerate much blood and fluid loss, making this strain of E. coli potentially lethal.
The E. coli bacteria may also cause what is called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized by kidney failure and loss of red blood cells and blood clotting. HUS affects the tissues throughout the body and initiates an inflammatory reaction leading to acute renal failure. Approximately 5% to 10% of little kids progress to this stage. In severe cases, the disease can cause permanent kidney damage. The presence of this bacterium can also be very dangerous to the elderly.
E. coli bacteria are everywhere in the environment. Anytime we eat something, drink something, or touch our hands to something that has been either a part of or has been near where animals are there is always the potential to ingest these bacteria. The US Food and Drug Administration have studied E. coli extensively and have outlined safe practices for consumers. When working with food or around animals frequent hand washing is recommended. Certain foods and food processing procedures carry heightened risks.
When preparing meat, unless there is a cut in the meat, the meat below the surface is normally sterile. However, the surface of all meat carries some amount of bacteria. Therefore, if you cut into the meat with a knife a small amount of bacteria will be brought to the inner fibers. This is why it is always important to cook meat thoroughly until all juices run clear. It is especially important to cook ground meats all the way through because in the grinding process all the bacteria that was on the outside of the meat has been distributed throughout.
If you like your meat and especially hamburgers, "rare", you are taking a significant risk. It is also important to realize that meat may not be the only source of contamination with such bacteria. Any contaminated water source or person can transfer these bacteria onto vegetables, bread, sink faucets, counter tops, etc. So, it is a good idea to be careful with everything - wash fresh fruit, vegetables, etc., thoroughly before eating. This last statement is very important. There have been recent cases of people contracting illnesses from non-pasteurized apple juice.
The harmful strains of E. coli seem to spread among people in close contact quite quickly. Help to keep yourself and your family safe by washing hands frequently, cleaning any surface that has been in contact with raw meat, not allowing any cross contamination to occur and by cooking meats thoroughly. I do recommend using Vital Oxide in your kitchen. It is my favorite multi-use disinfectant. It is completely safe to use around the kitchen and has been tested and approved by the EPA. Most importantly, it kills E. coli and other bacteria.