enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli


en·ter·o·hem·or·rhag·ic Esch·e·rich·i·a co·li (EHEC),

enterohemorrhagic strains of Escherichia coli, commonly of the serotype 0157:H7; produces a toxin resembling that produced by Shigella; associated with damage to the epithelium, ischemia of the bowel, and necrosis of the colon. Apparently responsible for a hemorrhagic form of colitis without fever, which can be very severe; spread primarily by contaminated beef and poultry. May also cause microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and the hemolytic uremic syndrome.

enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

EHEC Any of the E coli serotypes–eg O29, O39, O145 that produces shiga-like toxins, causing bloody inflammatory diarrhea, evoking a HUS. See Escherichia coli O157:H7, Hemolytic uremic syndrome.

en·ter·o·hem·or·rhag·ic Esch·e·rich·i·a co·li

(EHEC) (en'tĕr-ō-hem-ŏr-aj'ik esh-ĕ-rik'ē-ă kō'lī) Strain of E. coli, usually of the serotype 0157:H7; produces a toxin resembling that produced by Shigella; associated with damage to the epithelium, ischemia of the bowel, and necrosis of the colon. Apparently responsible for a hemorrhagic form of colitis without fever, which can be very severe and is spread primarily by contaminated beef. May also cause microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and the hemolytic uremic syndrome.