Diseases and epidemics

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Intestinal infection in Europe caused a ban on the import of fresh vegetables from Spain and Germany
Monday, 30 May 2011 19:25
　

In Russia today was banned import of fresh vegetables from Spain and Germany, due to the intestinal infection in Europe.

EU supervisory authorities are already preparing to declare an epidemic, because of acute intestinal infections (Escherichia coli (EHEC), the so-called hemolytic uremic syndrome) that passeth vegetables, especially the suffering people of Germany, which has already infected more than 1000 people. In this case, the number of people infected is increasing rapidly.

As noted by the doctors, the majority of people infected recover within 10 days, but in some cases (especially in young children and the elderly), the disease can take a severe form of life-threatening, which is characterized by hemorrhagic diarrhea, acute renal failure and anemia. In Germany, the victims of intestinal diseases have already 12 people. The most difficult situation are in northern Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. Cases have already been identified in 15 of the 16 federal states of Germany. Presumably contaminated vegetables imported from Spain, but the exact source of the contamination is not yet possible to determine, as in Spain itself has not recorded any cases of the disease, according to information received, the risk of infection is highest when food consumed raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce.

E. coli (Escherichia coli, lat. Escherichia coli; standard abbreviations e coli) –is the form of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that is part of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of man. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but the serotype O157: H7 can cause severe food poisoning in humans. Harmless strains are part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals. E. coli benefit the host organism, for example, synthesizing vitamin K, as well as preventing the development of pathogenic microorganisms in the gut. Virulent strains of E. coli can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the genitourinary system, and meningitis in newborns.

In rare cases, virulent strains also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, peritonitis, mastitis, septicemia and Gram-negative pneumonia. E. coli is a representative of the family Enterobacteriaceae -is a commensal of the gastrointestinal tract, where it, in case of violation of the permeability of normal anatomic barriers, as is the case, for example, perforation of the appendix, can spread and affect adjacent organs. It is believed, that infection with intestinal bacteria of the urinary tract is carried out not through contaminated urinary tract, and under direct hematogenous spread of infection in the kidney. After entering the primary focus of infection in the further spread of it in distant organs by the bloodstream. As a result, bacteremia, possible for all Gram-negative infections, can lead to shock caused by endotoxins.

More than 50% of diseases caused by Escherichia coli, a gateway is urinary tract infection, are also common infections originating from the liver and bile ducts of the abdominal cavity, skin and lungs. In some patients with bacteremia caused by E. coli atrium can not be detected, they are frequently observed neoplastic or hematologic diseases. Some strains of E. coli, for example- O157: H7, O121 and O104: H21, synthesized of potentially deadly toxins.

Today, the cases of infectious disease occurring in the form of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, in recent days have been recorded not only in Germany but also in Sweden, Denmark, Holland and Britain.

According to a representative of the European Centre, for the prevention and control of diseases, the current outbreak of hemolytic-uremic syndrome is "one of the largest in the world and the largest in Germany."

Already established, that the party of cucumbers, containing bacteria pathogen, were also imported to the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Luxembourg, where also a possible outbreak of the disease. The incubation period is from three to eight days, with a median of three to four days.

Most patients recover within 10 days. When the first signs of discomfort (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever) is very important not to self-medicate and seek medical advice.

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MRSA New Strain found in milk
Saturday, 04 June 2011 06:11
　

A group of scientists from Cambridge University, UK, led by Mark Holmes, has opened a new deadly strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The studies revealed, that a new strain of MRSA is not only resistant to most antibiotics, as usual MRSA, but the new strain is not detected by standard molecular tests, due to the presence of a specific gene mecA, which is usually detected by conventional strains of MRSA.

As a result of the research, a new strain of MRSA was found in cow's milk, and in swabs of the human body, were tested 74 samples of Staphylococcus aureus in UK residents, as a new strain of MRSA was found among the Germans and Irish.

staph (Latin Staphylococcus aureus) - optional anaerobes, gram-positive cocci. About 20% of the population are permanent carriers of this bacterium. Staphylococci – is a common family of bacteria. They are present in most people and are part of the normal microflora of the skin, mucous membranes and the lower intestine. Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is more common in medical personnel. Infection with staphylococcus in hospitals and maternity wards are airborne and through contaminated hands of medical personnel. Infection can occur through open wounds, burns, eye, skin, blood. Possible transmission of tools, catheters, bandages, items of care, as well as food. Golden staph was discovered in Scotland in 1880, pus in the abscess. Each year approximately 500 thousand patients in America's hospitals treated with staph infection.

Since the discovery of penicillin and its active use against staph, under the pressure of natural selection in a population entrenched mutation, in connection with which, at present, most strains are resistant to the antibiotic. To combat the bacterium is widely used methicillin – is a chemically modified penicillin, penicillinase which does not destroy. But now there are strains resistant to methicillin and in connection with which strains of Staphylococcus aureus is divided into methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also stand out even more resistant strains: vancomycin-resistant (VRSA) and glycopeptide-resistant ( GISA).

If believe to the official statistics, the number of deaths from one of the worst representatives of the hospital infection - MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) - for the past four years has doubled. MRSA – is a "modification" of Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), resistance to one or more antibiotics. Researchers have found 17 types of MRSA, characterized by varying degrees of resistance to antibiotics. For the treatment of MRSA is necessary to use higher doses, increasing the duration of treatment or use of alternative antibacterial agent to which this type of MRSA is still sensitive.

The source of a new strain of MRSA are cows. The new strain is not transmitted through dairy products, pasteurized past, but here are people that come into contact with infected animals can be infected, as revealed that the genetic subtypes of a new strain of MRSA, found in cows and people from one geographical area- are almost identical.

Mark Holmes said, that a new strain of MRSA is still relatively rare: it is less than 1% of all diagnosed cases of MRSA. However, its prevalence seems to have increased in the last decade. Scientists believe, that the mass infection with a novel strain of MRSA can be avoided, due to pasteurization. However, the strong concern of the doctors are reports of increasing number of infections and deaths due to MRSA.

It may happen, that will emerge a new form, resistant to all antibiotics. Although new antibiotics are being developed all the time, pessimistic experts believe, that the development of resistance to it - it's just a matter of time.

An important way to protect patients from MRSA seen doctors in improving the hygienic conditions in hospitals. Very often occurs appointment doctor antibiotics to patients with viral infection. Despite the fact, that antibiotics have no effect on viruses. But the bacteria in the body from the use of antibiotics thrive - mutate and multiply. So now doctors recommended to reduce antibiotic prescribing.

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Intestinal infection E. Coli - identified sources
Monday, 06 June 2011 15:39
In German media was published information about the most likely source of recent intestinal infection E. Coli- it was sprouts sprouts of soy and other vegetables from the farm, located in the city Uelzen, in Lower Saxony (Germany), is about 100 kilometers south of Hamburg.

Gert Lindemann (Minister of Agriculture of Lower Saxony), said that the source of the spread of intestinal infections E. Coli found in sprouts of soy, beans, peas, radishes and a number of vegetables. Two employees of the farm revealed the presence of intestinal infection E. Coli. While scientists explore the infectious agents, the Hamburg police engaged in tracing the distributors contaminated vegetables, have identified two wholesale distributor of contaminated vegetables, and a restaurant, that could start an epidemic - a restaurant located in Luebeck, among whose clients revealed 17 patients.

The list of victims of the intestinal infection E. Coli are already 22 people, all identified cases of intestinal infections E. Coli - are already 2,263 people. The vast majority of cases recorded in Germany - 21 dead and 2,136 infected, followed by Sweden - one dead and 46 infected, in Denmark -18 infected.

It should be noted, that E.coli studied better, than other microorganisms. Its short-term reproduction and ease of cultivation of previously granted the ability to quickly amass a large amount of material. Well studied and its genetics and molecular biology. E.coli - is a gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli in large quantities is part of the normal microflora of the intestines. E.coli synthesizes vitamin K and provides protection against other bacteria. When Escherichia coli penetrates the intestinal mucosa in those tissues and organs that normally are sterile (eg, the peritoneal cavity in violation of the integrity of the intestinal wall into the bladder or blood), it causes the disease, sometimes severe.

Therefore, in the world press in recent a few days began to appear describing of similar cases, that occurred earlier in other countries. So in the Korean press recalled, that in 2006 29-year-old woman was admitted to hospital after abdominal pain and internal bleeding. In the hospital she had identified the presence of E. coli, but the symptoms were more severe than usual symptoms of a typical infection of Escherichia coli. This woman was cured after four weeks of treatment. One of the doctors in 2006 published an article in a scientific journal, which has been described previously unprecedented stability of the identified strain of Escherichia coli to antibiotics.

In recent days, the dynamics of the spread of intestinal infections E. Coli had changed: the growing number of cases has slowed, but advice did not eat a raw vegetables remain in force in several European countries.

More from last week Russia has banned the import of vegetable products from EU countries, thereby causing extreme discontent with the EU authorities. The reason for the ban on the import of vegetables from the EU-spread in Europe, primarily in Germany- an acute intestinal infection caused by the E. Coli. Russian authorities is not satisfied with the response from the EU to inquiries about the safety of European vegetables. According to doctor Gennady Onishchenko, the German authorities and the authorities of the European Union does not demonstrate a willingness to clarify of situation. The only positive point in this situation- is the attitude of the authorities of Denmark, which is directly applied to explain the situation in this country that is a good example of finding the optimal solutions.

Gennady Onishchenko said, the ban on the import to Russia of fresh vegetables from the European Union may be withdrawn, when the European Union authorities answer on a few questions, which include the establishment of the pathogen and the reasons, that caused the disease, the establishment of transfer factor, which is carried out by transmission of the disease, establishment of place of origin of contaminated products and confirmed that the situation is under control and, more importantly- stop the increasing number of patients.

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If in Russia will ban on trade with berries from the EU - expected changes in the structure of russian foreign trade relations
Wednesday, 08 June 2011 21:08
Executive Director of Association of Retail Companies said on June 8, 2011, that retail company in Russia began to receive notices of withdrawal of berries, imported from EU countries. Reportedly, that the ban applies to all berries- fresh and frozen. This information is confirmed by representatives of several retail companies in Russia. As we have previously reported- a similar ban on vegetables from the European Union had earlier started.

It should be noted, that imports of vegetables and fruits in Russia is growing, according to the Federal State Statistics Service, in April 2011 when compared with April 2010: imports of tomatoes in Russia increased by 3%, imports of cucumbers increased by 10%, imports of pepper increased in 1.8 times, imports of onions in Russia increased by 1%, imports of cabbage increased in 2 times more; imports of carrots to Russia increased by 1.5 times, imports of grapes in the Russian Federation increased by 10%, imports of bananas increased by 50%, import of oranges increased by 38%.

A significant portion of fruit to Russia in 2010 was imported from Europe, especially such a popular berries, like strawberries. Therefore, after the ban on imports of berries to Russia, a single country-supplier of strawberries to Russia in 2011 will be a China. And growth of demand in 2011 of Chinese strawberries in Europe and the U.S. have led to the raising of prices for frozen strawberries. So now very likely to further increase the price of strawberries in the very near future. Also expected to increase the price of cherries, blueberries, blackberries.

May be will grow even prices for cranberries, though little of it imported from Europe, but Russian market of frozen berries appeared large amounts of frozen cranberries from Canada and the USA. Therefore, the main producers of juices in Russia will switch to use as a raw material of American or Canadian cranberry, supplies which are more stable, than the domestic supply of cranberries. The only market segment where demand remains at the Russian cranberry -is a major retail chains in Russia, which will continue to offer its customers domestic cranberries. Given the recent ban, tougher competition between collectors and suppliers of cranberries for the right to supply the Russian cranberry in retail chains, which inevitably can lead to higher prices and cranberries. Also in the wholesale market berries in Russia will remain frozen cranberries deficit, which also does not reduce the price of this berry.

But it is expected, that the Russian market of frozen berries will be a cheaper replacement of frozen cherries from Poland. After a ban imports of fruit from Russia, much of the Russian suppliers of frozen berries will begin to market frozen cherries from the U.S.. After that, we should expect a complete change in market structure and key market linkages already in the years ahead, as the majority of industrial enterprises in Russia preferred to use in the manufacture of frozen cherries from Poland. Changes in the structure of market demand will affect of blueberries, again, after a ban on imports from EU countries, industrial enterprises in Russia will go for processing or sale of frozen blueberries from Canada.

Changes in the structure will affect suppliers of blackberries, and now its on a large scale will start to import into Russia from China. Given the fact, that last month in China, there is an abnormally high temperature, which in one part of China has led to drought, while in another part of China has led to flooding, we can say, that Chinese vendors of strawberries and blackberries will not be able to supply the strawberries and blackberries in Russia at the same prices, as in China has increased demand for these berries, so it is very likely to increase prices for strawberries and blackberries.

Thus, after the ban on the import of berries from Europe, the industrial enterprises, as well as wholesale and retail network in Russia will be forced to look for new suppliers of these products in China, USA and Canada that will lead to new partnerships, which is quite may persist after the lifting of the ban on imports of berries from EU countries.