Escherichia coli O157:H7is a serotype of the E. coli STEC species. E. coli O157:H7 is the most common serotype of STEC. It produces the Shiga toxin, which is functionally similar to the toxins found in Shigella dysenteriae (as stated by the NY Department of Health). The bacterial cells colonize the large intestine and cause attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions, which ultimately result in intestinal damage and diarrhea. It can be especially severe for children, putting them at higher risk. The Shiga toxin acts on local blood vessels and causes the diarrhea to be bloody. Infections may result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which involves the breakdown of red blood cells and kidney failure and can be serious.
E. coli O157:H7 is an intestinal infection, therefore it is spread by fecal-oral transmission and has to be ingested. It is a food-borne bacteria and is often found in hamburgers because cows tend…
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