Enterohemmorhagic E. coli (EHEC)

- bloody diarrhea - hemolytic uremic syndrome - principal serotype: E. coli O157:H7, g- rod, fac. anaerobe, sorbitol negative - low infectious dose (<50 cells) - highly virulent - rapid growth 30-42 C, none <10 - acid tolerant - found in intestinal tract of animals, particularly dairy cattle - produces verotxin - colonization of intestines and toxin production