Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) stx1/stx2

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.

Shiga Toxin 1 (stx 1) and Shiga Toxin 2 (stx 2) producing E. coli (STEC) (E. coli O157 and non-O157 STEC) cause approximately 100,000 illnesses, 3,000 hospitalizations, and 90 deaths annually in the United States. The ability of non-O157 strains to cause disease is related to production of toxins, stx 1 and stx 2. Non-O157 stx 1 and stx 2 toxins are very similar to those produced by the O157 STEC; therefore, non-O157 STEC strains cause a similar range of illness severity to O157 STEC, and can result in the same complications.

Symptoms usually include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (progressing to bloody), vomiting, and moderate (< 101* F/38.5* C) fever. Sources of infection include handling of ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, deer, elk, etc.), consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk, soft unpasteurized cheeses, unpasteurized apple cider, undercooked meat, and contaminated water. Incubation period varies with serotypes from 10 hours-6 days. Oral rehydration therapy is recommended to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics, natural antimicrobial agents and anti-motility agents are contraindicated and increase the risk of disease progression to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).