Scientists Uncover How Harmless E. coli Causes Infections
Research scientists have discovered how harmless Escherichia coli gut bacteria in chickens can mutate—picking up the genes necessary to evolve, and thus causing infections in poultry and humans.
The most common infection in chickens being raised for meat or eggs is colibacillosis, which is caused by avian pathogenic E. coli. In 20 percent of cases, it can be fatal. The report sayst that other problems can include an increase in antibiotic resistance, and running the risk of human infections.