E. coli Infection (Escherichia coli Infection)

Organism 

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are gram-negative bacteria that live in the digestive systems of animals, including people. They help with digestion, but some types can cause illness. Some can include infections in the urinary system, stomach, and lungs. The E. coli that cause diarrhea make toxins that harm the inside of the intestines. In rare cases, the sickness can cause a very serious condition called Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This condition can harm the kidneys and the blood. The most common type of E. coli that make people sick are called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Most of the time, these are the type with the H7 serotype, but new tools are helping doctors find other types of E. coli that can also make people sick.

General Information and Resources

Mailing Address

Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology Section
Mail Code: 3082
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Physical Address

Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology Section
Moreton Building, Suite M-631
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199
United States