E. coli O157 is a member of the pathogenic enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains (also known as verocytotoxin producing or Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC)), and is an uncommon but serious cause of gastroenteritis. Infection with E. coli O157 often causes hemorrhagic colitis which involves severe abdominal cramps with watery non-hemorrhagic diarrhea which can become grossly bloody after two or three days. Symptoms may include fever or vomiting. Common sources of infection include handling of ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, deer, elk, etc.), consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk, untreated water and fecal-oral transmission. Almost half of the E. coli O157 outbreaks worldwide are food-derived. Incubation period is typically 2-8 days. Antibiotics, natural antimicrobial agents and anti-motility agents are contraindicated and increase the risk of disease progression to hemolytic uremic syndrome. Approximately 5% of infected individuals develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be life threatening. Children under five and the elderly are more susceptible to this complication. Oral rehydration therapy is indicated to prevent dehydration.
Escherichia coli O157
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