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Escherichia Coli Investigation

Decent Essays

Introduction Research Question How does the effectiveness of natural remedies ability to inhibit growth of E. coli compare to that of antibiotics?

To answer this question, a multiple day experiment was conducted to determine whether there is merit to the use of certain natural treatments to treat a bacterial infection by comparing to antibiotics that are known to be effective.

Background Information

Escherichia coli Escherichia coli, is a gram negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can be found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, it is an important beneficial bacteria for many organisms, it inhibits the growth of pathogenic species such as Salmonella and aids in digestion. The strains are distinguished from the presence of two surface …show more content…

It contains 5 ppm of silver that aids in the destruction of bacteria, fungi and viruses (Khalsa and Singh, 2008). This treatment could potentially work from its use beforehand, however, predictably will not work as effectively as the antibiotics.

To determine whether there were any natural remedies available to combat E. coli infection, a staff member from the Big Carrot Dispensary located in Toronto, Canada was asked what they would prescribe. The staff member suggested Oil of Oregano, which according to the University Health News, has antibacterial properties from a compound carvacrol, that inhibits growth most food borne bacteria, including E. coli. This could potentially kill the bacteria (UHN Staff, 2016).

Manuka honey was a potential treatment because it is hypertonic from its sugar content and is seen as an alternative medicine with having anti-bacterial qualities. According to Balick, there are small amounts of non-peroxide within the honey that can heal infected wounds, however there is little research on Manuka honey's antibacterial properties when it has been ingested (Balick,

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