Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic foodborne pathogen that causes serious human disease by producing toxins that attack the lining of the intestines and kidneys. This infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be fatal. The main reservoir of STEC is cattle, and humans acquire infection by consuming contaminated food of cattle origin. Personal hygiene, safe cooking, and drinking pasteurized milk and juices are some of the prevention methods. The organism can be identified by growing in MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol (SMAC), enzyme-linked immunoassays, and polymerase chain reaction. Recent outbreaks include the multistate outbreak of E.coli strains O103 and O121 infections linked to ground bison from Northfork Bison Distributors, Inc.
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