Definition: Strains of ESCHERICHIA COLI with the ability to produce at least one or more of at least two antigenically distinct, usually bacteriophage-mediated cytotoxins: SHIGA TOXIN 1 and SHIGA TOXIN 2. These bacteria can cause severe disease in humans including bloody DIARRHEA and HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME.
infection: coordinate IM with ESCHERICHIA COLI INFECTION (IM); consider also HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME
ExamplesEnterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Other names Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli; Verotoxigenic E. coli; Vero Cytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli; Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli; Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli; Shiga Toxigenic E. coli; VTEC; Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli, Verotoxigenic; E coli, Verotoxigenic; STEC