The epidemiology, pathogenicity and microbiology of foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7

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Abstract
Escherichia coli are generally considered to be members of the common, indigenous microbiota of the human and other animal intestinal tracts. In fact, they are generally beneficial in several ways. Several virotypes (particular virulent strains) within the species that have the capacity for causing gastrointestinal disease in humans were discovered within the last 50 years. The virotypes have been studied particularly for their epidemiology and the mechanisms by which they are able to cause disease. The virotypes of E. coli described in this review are enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic, enteroaggregative, enteroinvasive, diffusely-adherent, and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC). Many of the virotypes are responsible for causing widespread outbreaks of diarrheal disease, most of which are self-limiting. The exceptions are the EHEC that are featured in this review. EHEC produce shiga-like toxins and are capable of causing hemorrhagic enterocolitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal disease.