THE SOURCE of an isolated case of e-coli infection which caused the death of an elderly man remains a mystery.

John Reames, from Coxhoe, died in intensive care in the University Hospital of North Durham in August.

An inquest heard that tests revealed the 82-year-old former gas company manager was suffering from the virulent 0157 variety of e-coli.

Pathologist Dr Douglas John Maloney said the infection caused fatal multi-organ failure.

Consultant microbiologist Dr David Allison said the 0157 variety is the most dangerous form of e-coli and is usually more harmful in the elderly. He said it can take up to eight days to incubate, but rarely occurs, with somewhere between six and ten cases a year reported at the hospital, and this was the only such death he could remember in his time in Durham.

Dr Deborah Wilson, a consultant in communicable disease control in County Durham and Darlington, said she spoke at length to Mr Reames in hospital before his death, but they were unable to pinpoint the cause.

"We sat and racked our brains and he was fully aware of food hygiene regulations and temperatures that food had to be cooked, and said his wife was good with food hygiene as she did the cooking. He was quite upset that somehow he had got this infection and couldn't think why.

"It does remain a mystery which isn't very satisfactory for ourselves or the family of Mr Reames," added Dr Wilson.

North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle said he was 'troubled' over how to 'pigeon hole' Mr Reames' death.

"It's been shown somehow the bacteria has been taken in the mouth and ingested in a particular way.

"I think it would be appropriate to say in this case that he died from 'natural causes'," added Mr Tweddle