Introduction: Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7: E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea; the outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Since then, most infections have come from eating undercooked ground beef.

The combination of letters and numbers in the name of the bacterium refers to the specific markers found on its surface and distinguishes it from other types of E. coli.¹

Researching symptoms of Escherichia coli O157:H7: Further information about the symptoms of Escherichia coli O157:H7 is available including a list of symptoms of Escherichia coli O157:H7, or alternatively return to research other symptoms in the symptom center.

Treatments for Escherichia coli O157:H7: Various information is available about treatments available for Escherichia coli O157:H7, prevention of Escherichia coli O157:H7, or research treatments for other diseases.

Causes of Escherichia coli O157:H7: Research more detailed information about the causes of Escherichia coli O157:H7, or other general information about Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Statistics and Escherichia coli O157:H7: Various sources and calculations are available in statistics about Escherichia coli O157:H7, prevalence and incidence statistics for Escherichia coli O157:H7, and you can also research other medical statistics in our statistics center.