Microbiology Case Study E. Coli Case Study

Total Length: 1887 words ( 6 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

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Question 14

The main criteria that should be considered is the type of infection based on microbiological evidence. Additionally, it is important to determine whether or not there was onsite mishandling which may have led to E. coli being present on particular products. The scope of the outbreak would also be important, as it would show either a local outbreak, or a more widespread one that would indicate a larger producer.

Question 15

All steps between harvest and consumption would be needed to facilitate the traceback. Thus, the events from the time of purchase by the customer would be needed to be traced back down the supply chain all the way back to the grower. This means an investigation on the seller, wholesaler, processer, and laborers involved in harvesting the sprouts. The dates of purchase and processing, along with lot numbers, would also be helpful.

Question 16

The general hypothesis for these particular cases is the notion that there was a contamination of the seeds before sprouting. Two sprouting facilities, in two separate states, were associated with the outbreak. As such, it can be hypothesized that contamination did not occur in processing or through sales.
Contamination could have occurred during the processing of the seeds, transporting them to farm plots and any storage elements in between.

Question 17

There are many possible contamination points to consider. Cattle are the main components in regards to passing on E. coli through their feces. As such, any contact with cattle, either directly, or after the cattle had already passed through, would be a point to consider. The field sites would be important based on their proximity to cattle and other farm animals. Moreover, the type of fertilizer used on the fields or the harvesting equipment used might have once been in contact with cattle feces, and thus would also be potential contamination points.

Question 18

To combat this outbreak in the short-term, all seeds from the two seed processing facilities should be recalled. Anyone who has recently purchased such seeds needs to be advised to destroy them. For the long-term, more specific testing needs tp be done in the two facilities to determine an exact point of contamination. Moreover, greater warning labels should be placed on consumer protects to….....

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https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/microbiology-case-study-e-coli-92510