What We Do
Foodborne Illness
Previous Posts
- New Technique to Test DNA of E. coli Bacteria
- Gourmet Boutique Chicken Recall Due to Listeria Ri...
- Stop and Shop Recall: Deli Chicken Entrees and Lis...
- E. coli and HUS: Two Stories of Survival
- Discover Cuisine Chicken Recall Due to Listeria - ...
- Trader Joes Alfalfa Sprout Recall Due to Salmonell...
- California and Washington Sprout Recall - Alfalfa ...
- Four Bean Salad Recall Due to Botulism Risk
- Hallmark/Westland Beef Investigation
- Sell by Date, Best if Used by Date and Expiration ...
Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]
Welcome to the Pritzker | Ruohonen Food Safety Blog
Is E. coli O157:H7 Becoming More Virulent?
A phylogenetic analysis of E. coli O157:H7 has found that recombination or recurrent mutation has contributed to the evolution of E. coli O157:H7 into more virulent strains. The research was prompted by several recent outbreaks involving E. coli O157:H7 (e.g., 2006 spinach E. coli outbreak) that were “associated with more severe disease, as defined by higher hemolytic uremic syndrome and hospitalization frequencies, suggesting that increased virulence has evolved.”
500 E. coli O157:H7 clinical strains were analyzed and separated into 9 distinct clades:
As part of this study, Thomas Whittam, Hannah Distinguished Professor at the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center at Michigan State University and David Alland of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, two co-authors of the study, developed a new technique to test E. coli O157:H7 DNA.
Posted March 2008.
500 E. coli O157:H7 clinical strains were analyzed and separated into 9 distinct clades:Differences were observed between clades in the frequency and distribution of Shiga toxin genes and in the type of clinical disease reported. Patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome were significantly more likely to be infected with clade 8 strains, which have increased in frequency over the past 5 years. Genome sequencing of a spinach outbreak strain, a member of clade 8, also revealed substantial genomic differences. These findings suggest that an emergent subpopulation of the clade 8 lineage has acquired critical factors that contribute to more severe disease.Read the results of this study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
As part of this study, Thomas Whittam, Hannah Distinguished Professor at the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center at Michigan State University and David Alland of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, two co-authors of the study, developed a new technique to test E. coli O157:H7 DNA.
Posted March 2008.
Labels: DNA testing, E. coli, food safety
Free Case Consultation
Firm News
Fred Pritzker Listed in The Best Lawyers in America
Fred Pritzker has been notified that he will again be listed in The Best Lawyers in America.
Taste of Chicago
Pritzker | Ruohonen attorney Rich Ruohonen is managing attorney for our Taste of Chicago / Pars Cove Salmonella cases, which involve a Salmonella outbreak with over 180 confirmed cases of Salmonella. Contact Rich Ruohonen regarding these cases at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free).
E. coli Wrongful Death Settlement
We have recently settled a number of E. coli cases involving victims of various E. coli outbreaks, including a wrongful death claim.
Attorney Rich Ruohonen Has Article Published
Rich Ruohonen's recently published article addresses effective cross examination of the defence neuropsychologist.
Foodborne Outbreaks
- Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
- Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
- Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
- Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
- Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
- Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
- Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
- Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
- Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
- Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
- Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
- Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
- New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
- Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
- Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
- Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
- Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
- Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
- Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
- Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
- Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
- E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
- E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
- E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
- E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
- Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
- Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
- Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit