Escherichia Coli Infection

Escherichia coli infection is a potentially life-threatening condition primarily caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), particularly the O157:H7 serotype, leading to symptoms ranging from non-specific diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis to severe complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can result in acute renal failure, especially in children. These infections are often food- or water-borne, with approximately 265,000 cases and 100 deaths reported annually in the United States. Pathogenic E. coli strains can also cause extra-intestinal infections, including urinary tract infections and gastroenteritis, and may contribute to the formation of fibrin thrombi, highlighting their significant public health impact.