摘要：One of several Shiga toxin-producing serotypes of Escherichia coli is O157 serotype. E.coli O157 was first identified as a human pathogen in 1982 and then has involved from a clinical novelty to a worldwide public health concern. This organism known to cause human illnesses develops from mild non-bloody diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis, haemolytic uremic syndrome and death. The bacterium evolved through acquisition of genes for Shiga toxin and many other virulence factors. The cattle and many other animal species represent the reservoir for human infection with E.coli O157. This serotype is transmitted by food, water and directly from one person to another. There are different laboratory methods for isolation and identification of E.coli O157. Surveillance, rapid reporting of cases and ready epidemiologic investigations are essential elements of timely public health response.
