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Researchers have long considered that a long acting virus or other pathogen (bacteria, toxin, etc.) may cause Graves' disease. It is known that occasionally the disease affects more than one member of a family, as in the case of former President Bush of the US. Both his wife and his dog were also affected.
It has been difficult to show direct links between foodborne pathogens and chronic illnesses. The time lapse between infection and the onset of other symptoms may be prolonged. The problems associated with chronic disease can result from infection without symptoms of illness. The chronic problems can occur even if the immune system effectively fights the illness. Data has not been systematically collected. It has been theorized that activating the immune system may initiate an autoimmune response. The variety of human response--from actual illness to chronic carrier status-- continues to confound the issue. Several authors have estimated that as many as 2-3% of people affected by foodborne disease have some long term consequences. A link has been established between Graves' disease to a type of e coli. Antibody titers to Yersinia enterocolitica have been found in a majority of patients with the disease. Severe hypothyroidism may result from chronic intestinal giardiasis. This infection can be treated and the parasite completely eliminated. We need to be aware that food poisoning can have serious long-term effects. However, with proper food care and preparation many of the sources can be eliminated. The simple act of proper handwashing (using soap and hot water and at least eight seconds of friction) could eliminate the transmission of many forms of foodborne disease. For more information:
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The copyright of the article Thyroid Disease Linked to Foodborne Illness in Thyroid Disease is owned by . Permission to republish Thyroid Disease Linked to Foodborne Illness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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