One of the deadlier E.coli called 0157:H7 is often associated with undercooked contaminated beef, fast food restaurants, and improper meat packing practices. It's also been found in drinking water, un- pasteurized milk and cider, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. It's just one of hundreds of strains of E.coli. Most of these bacteria live harmlessly in the intestines of healthy people and animals. We need E.coli to produce essential compounds like K and B complex vit- amins. 0157:H7 makes a powerful toxin that can cause severe bloody diarrhea and life threatening complications such as kidney failure. It is extremely dangerous to young children and the elderly. I couldn't find a reference as to what it can do in pregnancy. Diagnosing E.coli infection can be tricky. There is usually little or no fever, and diarrhea may or may not be bloody. Abdominal cramps are common. Because of the danger of potentially fatal kidney failure, very young children and older adults who exhibit these symptoms should be tested for E.coli infection. If diagnosed immediately it can be treated with antibiotics. It usually runs it's course from 1 to 10 days. The best way to avoid E.coli infection is to wash fruits and vege- tables, cook meats thoroughly, and wash hands frequently, especial- ly after using the bathroom.