Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a significant pathogen detected in GI tests that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. STEC infection often occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked beef, raw milk, and fresh produce. Patients infected with STEC may experience symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and occasionally fever. The presence of Shiga toxin in E. coli is particularly concerning because it can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure, especially in young children and the elderly.

Epidemiology

- Fecal contamination of ingested foods (undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, juice, and water)

Clinical Implications

- Symptoms may include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea

- Toxins may elicit strong inflammatory response

E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains of these bacteria are harmless, some produce toxins that can make you sick and cause diarrhea (loose stool/poop) such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

Anyone can get STEC infection. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to develop serious infection, but healthy older children and young adults can also become seriously ill.

Shigella spp. are non-sporulating bacteria that belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Shigella infections account for 5% to 20% of all diarrheal episodes throughout the world, and although these infections are commonly seen in children younger than five years old, they can be found in adults of all ages. Shigellosis often begins with fever, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and can progress to bloody diarrhea.

SCFAs are produced from the fermentation of fibre and protein by certain components of the gut microflora. The SCFAs produced from the fermentation of fibre by probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli have a range of beneficial effects from serving as a fuel for cells lining the intestine (and the rest of the body) to creating an acidic intestinal environment that is unfavourable to potential pathogens.

A sickle cell screen, also known as a sickle cell test or sickle cell screening, is a medical test used to determine whether an individual carries a gene mutation associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, causing them to become rigid and assume a characteristic "sickle" shape. These misshapen red blood cells can lead to various health problems, including pain, anemia, and organ damage.

Sickle Cell Screening (SCRN) is a vital medical procedure designed to detect sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder characterized by irregularly shaped red blood cells. This screening is crucial for early diagnosis and management, especially in newborns and individuals at high risk due to their ethnic background.

SIGA (Secretory IgA) is the primary antibody that is protecting us from pathogens and toxins from penetrating mucosal surfaces. Its role is crucial in protecting the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. The antibody blocks the access to the epithelial receptors and traps pathogens and toxins in the mucus which are then excreated by peristaltic movements.

SIGA (Secretory IgA) is the primary antibody that is protecting us from pathogens and toxins from penetrating mucosal surfaces. Its role is crucial in protecting the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. The antibody blocks the access to the epithelial receptors and traps pathogens and toxins in the mucus which are then excreated by peristaltic movements.