Final answer:
The strain of E. coli associated with severe food poisoning and diarrhea is E. coli O157:H7. This pathogenic strain can cause symptoms from mild diarrhea to life-threatening conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome. It is commonly linked to contaminated food and water and requires careful diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of E. coli that is often associated with food poisoning and can cause severe diarrhea is known as E. coli O157:H7, also referred to as Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). This particular strain of E. coli is notorious for causing outbreaks related to contaminated food or water, especially undercooked meat and raw vegetables. Symptoms can range from mild diarrhea to severe complications such as bloody diarrhea and a potentially fatal condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Contamination often occurs due to poor hygiene practices during food preparation or from consuming products that are not processed properly. E. coli O157:H7 produces a potent Shiga toxin, which causes damage to the lining of the intestine leading to the severe symptoms often reported in the news. Diagnosis of this infection generally involves culturing the bacteria and using PCR for confirmation. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration.