NCIt definition : A species of facultatively anaerobic, Gram negative, rod shaped bacterium assigned
to the phylum Proteobacteria. This species develops flagella and pili based on its
environmental needs. Belongs to the class of enterohemorrhagic E. coli which produces
Shiga-like toxins causing hemorrhagic diarrhea which can occasionally develop into
kidney failure, most commonly affecting young children and elderly. This serotype
differs from other pathogenic E. coli as it is negative for invasiveness (Sereny test),
adheres through E. coli common pilus, and doesn't produce heat stable or heat labile
toxins. Human infection is commonly caused by the consumption of undercooked ground
beef or unpasteurized milk or juice or exposure to contaminated lakes, pools or drinking
water.;
Alternative definition : CDISC: Any bacterial organism that can be assigned to the species Escherichia coli
and serotype O157:H7.;