Interesting

Ted, I find this back and forth quite exciting, but I don't know if name calling is in order. I didn't really think I was taking issue with your response.

Let's look back at John's initial question:
"In which of the following area of your body is the presence of disease causing bacteria considered normal?"

First off the question is flawed from the start. My body is a temple where disease causing bacteria are strictly forbidden. Normal Flora are only allowed if they behave themselves. Any mutation, and I purge them from my system--it's quite beautiful.

Second, if I thought E. Coli was part of the normal flora I'd have to be a complete asshole. I said, "Certain mutated strands of these gut bacteria can cause disease; an example is E. coli O157:H7." The key word being mutated.

Third, I take issue with your claim that to be considered "disease causing" it must in your words, "casue diseases where they are found." If you get a disease, I don't think you really care where it comes from.

Fourth, if normal flora only causes disease under special circumstances, then you probably wouldn't call it "disease causing" under normal circumstances, would you? More of a question than a point I guess.

Finally, Ted, I created this blog to exchange information in a highly intellectual manner. We all graduated from a fine University with diverse degrees. I hope that you can remember to respect the people you interact with that may not have the same expertise (namely your patients).

Peace out guys,
Chris

ps- Ted, you are a giant ass bag