Escherichia coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli O157:H7, a Gram-negative bacillus, is a specific serotype of the shiga
toxin producing class of
E. coli (STEC) and the most common such serotype in the US.
Incubation period is 2-8 days. Shiga toxins cause
abdominal
cramps and watery diarrhea,
often developing into bloody diarrhea; fever is uncommon. Likely modes of transmission
include foodborne (e.g., undercooked ground beef, fresh produce, unpasteurized juice,
raw milk) and person-to-person (e.g., day-care settings). There also have been
outbreaks associated with exposure to animals
and their environments
and recreational
water exposure. All
E.coli O157:H7 isolates are confirmed by the Los
Angeles
County
Public Health Laboratory.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a clinical diagnosis and
may or may not be associated with
E. coli O157:H7. Children younger than
5 years of
age are at highest risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a clinical complication
consisting of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney failure. Adults may acquire
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after STEC infection.
LAC DPH News Release:
Public Health Investigating Cases of E. coli Linked to Organic Carrots
(11-18-24)
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