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E. coli Testing

Definitive Answers. Confident Results.

The incidence of foodborne illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli demands reliable and rapid methods of detection. Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli is the most common cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication that can lead to kidney failure and permanent health conditions.1

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a group of bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness in humans. These strains produce potent Shiga toxins, which are responsible for the symptoms and potential complications associated with infection. Due to the severity of some STEC cases particularly among young children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations public health strategies focus on prevention, early detection, and timely medical intervention.

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It is estimated there are approximately 265,000 STEC infections annually in the United States.2

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60% of E. coli infections are caused by non-O157 strains.3

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1 in 10 patients who are diagnosed with STEC infection develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).4

Rapid immunoassay testing solutions for E. coli

Rapid immunoassays offer laboratories a streamlined workflow and accurate results in as little as 20 minutes, eliminating the time-consuming, labor-intensive processes associated with traditional culture methods

Meridian Bioscience’s E. coli diagnostic solutions deliver unmatched accuracy and versatility for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Our STEC testing enhances the efficiency and precision of diagnosing E. coli infections, facilitating prompt and effective patient management.

Curian® Shiga Toxin

A rapid, fluorescent immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxin 1 and 2 produced by enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) from stool specimens in broth enrichment.

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Immunocard STAT!® EHEC

Rapid lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxin 1 and 2 produced by enterohemorraghic E. coli (EHEC) from stool specimens in broth enrichment.
 

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Premier® EHEC

A microwell enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxin 1 and 2 produced by enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) from stool specimens

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Immunocard STAT!® E. coli O157 Plus

Rapid lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 in stool specimens and culture.

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Learn more about E. coli testing​

How does a False Negative EHEC test result put your hospital and your patients at RISK?

Education and Outreach tools to learn more about E. coli testing

As dedicated partners in enhancing patient care, we take pride in our diverse diagnostic portfolio and go further by offering educational content and tools, leveraging our expertise to boost testing utilization and support our partners comprehensively.

How does a False Negative EHEC test result put your hospital and your patients at RISK?
Shiga Toxigenic E. coli: A Fully Emerged, Still Underappreciated Pathogen

FAQs

What is Shiga toxin and why is it important to test for it?

Shiga toxins are produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli (STEC), which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, including bloody diarrhea and life-threatening complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Testing for Shiga toxin enables early detection, appropriate clinical management, and helps prevent further transmission.

Diagnosis is usually confirmed by testing a stool sample for the presence of STEC bacteria or their toxins. Sometimes, additional confirmatory testing may be conducted to identify specific strains.

The CDC recommends that all stool specimens submitted for enteric pathogen testing be evaluated for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

Rapid immunoassays can detect Shiga toxin in as little as 20 minutes, enabling faster clinical decisions. In contrast, culture-based methods are more labor-intensive and can take several days for results

While E. coli O157:H7 is a common strain, many non-O157 strains also produce Shiga toxin and can cause illness. The CDC estimates that half of all STEC infections are caused by non-O157 serotypes. Comprehensive testing detects both O157 and non-O157 STEC, which is why Shiga toxin testing is a more inclusive and effective approach.
Broth enrichment increases the number of bacteria in a stool sample, improving the sensitivity of the test, especially when the bacterial load is low. This step helps ensure Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is not missed in early or mild infections. CDC and JCAHO recommend testing from enrichment broth.

Yes, outbreaks of STEC infection can occur, often linked to contaminated food or water sources. Public health authorities monitor and investigate outbreaks to prevent further spread.

References:

  1. Fennerty, M. B. Helicobacter pylori: why it still matters in 2005. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2005; 72(Suppl_2), S1-7. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.72.suppl_2.s1.
  2. Centers for Disease Control. MMWR (October 1997) Knowledge About Causes of Peptic Ulcer Disease—United States, March-April 1997. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00049679.htm. Accessed June 9, 2022.
  3. Helicobacter and Cancer Collaborative Group. Gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori: a combined analysis of 12 case control studies nested within prospective cohorts. Gut. 2001 Sep;49(3):347-53. doi: 10.1136/gut.49.3.347. PMID: 11511555; PMCID: PMC1728434.
  4. The Lancet. Chronic Disease Management in Aging Populations. Available at https://www.thel ancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60790-9/fulltext. Accessed on June 9, 2022.
  5. Chey WD & Wong BCY. Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol, 2007; 102(8):1808-1825
  6. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Stomach Cancer. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/about/key-statistics.html Accessed June 9, 2022
  7. Chey, W. D., Leontiadis, G. I., Howden, C. W., & Moss, S. F. ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2018; 113(7), p1102. doi: 10.1038/s41395-018-0132-6
  8. Talley, N. J. American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement: Evaluation of Dyspepsia. Gastroenterology, 2005; 129(5):1753–1755. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2005.09.019

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