Which organism is indicated by STEC/EHEC/VTEC and 0157:H7, causing diarrhea that can be bloody and may lead to HUS?

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Multiple Choice

Which organism is indicated by STEC/EHEC/VTEC and 0157:H7, causing diarrhea that can be bloody and may lead to HUS?

The main idea is recognizing a Shiga toxin–producing E. coli strain. These bacteria are categorized as STEC, EHEC, or VTEC and include the 0157:H7 serotype. They cause hemorrhagic (often bloody) diarrhea and can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) because the Shiga toxins disrupt protein synthesis in host cells, injuring microvasculature, especially in the kidneys. Clinically, the illness can start with abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may become bloody, and in some cases progress to HUS, particularly in children. Diagnosis is linked to detecting Shiga toxin production and, for 0157:H7, characteristic lab features such as non-sorbitol fermentation on selective media. While other bacteria can cause diarrheal illness, they do not carry this toxin profile or the same risk of HUS as STEC/EHEC/VTEC strains.

The main idea is recognizing a Shiga toxin–producing E. coli strain. These bacteria are categorized as STEC, EHEC, or VTEC and include the 0157:H7 serotype. They cause hemorrhagic (often bloody) diarrhea and can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) because the Shiga toxins disrupt protein synthesis in host cells, injuring microvasculature, especially in the kidneys. Clinically, the illness can start with abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may become bloody, and in some cases progress to HUS, particularly in children. Diagnosis is linked to detecting Shiga toxin production and, for 0157:H7, characteristic lab features such as non-sorbitol fermentation on selective media. While other bacteria can cause diarrheal illness, they do not carry this toxin profile or the same risk of HUS as STEC/EHEC/VTEC strains.

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