EHEC
Etiology/Bacteriology
Taxonomy
| Domain = Bacteria | Phylum = Proteobacteria | Class = Gammaproteobacteria | Order = Enterobacteriales | Family = Enterobacteriaceae | Genus = Escherichia | species = E. coli | subspecies = O157:H7 | prototype strain = EDL933 |
NCBI: Taxonomy Genome: Escherichia coli O157:H7 str. EDL933 |
Description
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging pathogen that causes hemorrhagic colitis. E. coli is a Gram negative rod, facultative anaerobe, motile by means of peritrichous flagella, and found in the GI tract of mammals. Most E. coli are harmless and actually are an important members of a healthy human intestinal microbial community. However, E. coli is a very diverse group of bacteria consisting of many ecotypes (the harmless variety) and pathotypes. The pathogenic strains of E. coli can cause diarrheal diseases, urinary tract infections, and even meningitis. The E. coli pathotypes that cause diarrhea are transmitted via contaminated food or water, or through contact with infected animals or people. E. coli O157:H7 was first reported by the CDC in 1982. [1]
Pathogenesis
Clinical features
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Host Immune Response
References
Created by Tyrrell Conway at the University of Oklahoma.