The most notorious type of pathogenic E. coli is known as E. coli 0157:H7. Over a quarter century after the discovery of verocytotoxin and the first report by Karmali and colleagues of cases of postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), otherwise known as "Shiga toxin-producing" E. coli, or STEC for short, successful treatment of these infections has remained elusive. When a child is lost to something as preventable as E. coli, it is appalling. Outbreaks of E. coli 0157:H7-induced illness have been common in recent years. With all of the...

Clostridium botulinum bacteria can cause botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless; cooking the soup will not inactivate any toxin that is present. Its symptoms include general weakness, paralysis, dizziness, double-vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, have a weak cry, and poor muscle tone. Botulism may be cause of dead. Anyone showing signs of botulism should immediately seek medical...