Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7)

1995 Case Definition

Clinical description

An infection of variable severity characterized by diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps. Illness may be complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); asymptomatic infections may also occur.

Laboratory criteria for diagnosis

• Isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from a specimen, or
• Isolation of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:NM* from a clinical specimen

Case classification

Suspect: A case of postdiarrheal HUS or TTP (see HUS case definition)

Probable:

• Isolation of E. coli O157 from a clinical specimen, pending confirmation of H7 or Shiga-like toxin, or
• Bloody diarrhea, HUS, or TTP that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed or probable case

Confirmed: a case that is laboratory confirmed.

Comment

Confirmation is based on laboratory findings, and clinical illness is not required. Suspect, probable, and confirmed cases should be reported to local or state health departments.

Only confirmed cases are reported nationally.

See also:

• 2005 Case Definition
• 2000 Case Definition
• 1996 Case Definition

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