Escherichia coli is a Gram negative bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which is commonly found in the normal intestinal flora of humans and warm-blooded organisms. However, the pathogenic effect of some strains is known from the early 1900s.
A group of strains of E. coli is characterised as VTEC due to their ability to produce one or more verotoxins (verocytotoxins, VT), which are also known as Shiga-like toxins (STX). The group of these bacteria has many synonyms. Both in the United States and in Europe the term Shigatoxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is being used. The term enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, EHEC) was used to describe the verocytotoxin E. coli (VTEC) which causes hemorrhagic colitis in humans.

The disease caused by VTEC E. coli in humans is called hemorrhagic colitis and it usually restricts itself. However, in a small percentage of cases, approximately 10%, it causes acute kidney failure and blood clotting disorders, leading to hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTR). These complications are common in young children and elderly persons and may lead to high mortality. Sporadic cases and food infections with several people often occur around the world.The strains isolated from infected people usually hold a particular somatic antigen the O157, most commonly with the serotype O157:H7.

The most common source of infection for humans is beef. Also other food products like milk, apple juice and fresh vegetables seem to be involved but to a lesser extent.

The verocytotoxin E. coli (VTEC) in accordance to the Directive (EC) 95/2003 on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents is notifiable.

In Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing we are able to offer you a rapid test for Escerichia coli O157 (including H7) providing results within 24 hours.
 

The strains isolated from infected people usually hold a particular somatic antigen the O157, most commonly with the serotype