enterohemorrhagic E. coli

bacterium

Also known as: EHEC

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) is a dangerous strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli that can cause severe illness. While most E. coli strains are harmless and live in the intestines, EHEC can produce toxins that lead to bloody diarrhea and, in severe cases, kidney failure and death.1

A notable outbreak of EHEC O104:H4 occurred in Germany in 2011, causing numerous cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and resulting in 50 deaths. This strain was particularly virulent due to a rare combination of disease-causing factors. Preventing infection involves proper food handling, such as thoroughly cooking meat and washing produce.21

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German E. coli outbreak of 2011
E. coli O104:H4
coli (EIEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC). The causative EAEC O104:H4 bacterium of the 2011 outbreak was initially described as a strain of EHEC, but subsequent genetic analyses revealed that it was closely related…
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coli (EIEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC). The causative EAEC O104:H4 bacterium of the 2011 outbreak was initially described as a strain of EHEC, but subsequent genetic analyses revealed that it was closely related…
Read More