A medical research team at Weill Cornell Medical College has found a possible connection between Clostridium perfringens and multiple sclerosis (MS). For people diagnosed with Clostridium perfringens who then develop MS, proving a connection could have legal ramifications.
Clostridium perfringens is a foodborne pathogen that causes an estimated million cases of food poisoning each year in the United States. Although the number of cases is high, there are only a few outbreaks of the illness that can be linked to food served at a hospital, school cafeteria, prison, nursing home, restaurant or other venue. Recent outbreaks have been linked to contaminated chicken salad, beef stew, roast beef and gravy, tacos and a turkey dinner. The food that caused these outbreaks was prepared in large quantities and kept warm at too low a temperature for too long before serving. High temperatures can kill the bacteria, but lower temperatures can create the perfect environment for colonization (multiplication of the bacteria).
The Cornell team found a toxin (epsilon) made by a rare strain of Clostridium perfringens (Type B) caused MS-like damage in the brain of mice. This toxin traveled through the blood to the brain and killed myelin-producing cells. Lead investigator Jennifer Linden presented the group’s latest findings at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
Most people do not know that Clostridium perfringens and other foodborne pathogens can cause serious complications and death. Attorney Fred Pritzker and his Bad Bug Law Team have represented many clients in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against food processors, restaurants and others who sold contaminated food. “In a recent Clostridium perfringens outbreak, three people died,” said Fred.
Attorney Fred Pritzker and his team of food poisoning attorneys are some of the very few in the United States who regularly represent food poisoning victims. They have won millions for their clients, including a recent $4.5 million settlement for one client. You can contact Fred and his team for a free consultation here.