Diarrhea and Haemorrhagic Colitis E. coli 0157
Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli also known as verotoxigenic E. coli produces a toxin similar to shigella toxin called verotoxin. That causes inflammation of the colonic mucosa, resulting in diarrhea and haemorrhagic colitis. Some patients may end up with a life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
E. coli 0157 is the most common serotype associated with this disease. It occurs as a contaminant in undercooked meats, ground beef (hamburger at fast food restaurants) and has caused many outbreaks.
Clinical Utility:
Bacterial Food poisoning
Sever diarrhea and haemorrhagic colitis
haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Isolation of E. coli 0157 from stool & food samples can be missed in cultures on conventional media its detection needs special media and special confirmatory tests.