This is the case definition for shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.
Laboratory confirmation of infection in a patient with or without clinical illness:
- Isolation of E. coli O157* from a clinical specimen OR
- Detection of shiga toxin gene by PCR** from a clinical specimen
*All E. coli O157, including shiga toxin gene positive and negative are included
**Includes cases infected with Shiga toxin producing E. coli non-O157
Clinical illness in a person who is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case, which would include persons with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Clinical illness is characterized by diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps. Illness may be complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP), or pulmonary edema with no other identifiable cause. Asymptomatic infections may also occur.
