Escherichia coli O104:H21

Escherichia coli O104:H21 is a rare serotype of Escherichia coli, a species of bacteria that lives in the lower intestines of mammals.^[1] The presence of many serotypes of E. coli in animals is beneficial or does not cause disease. However, E. coli O121 has been recognized as a pathogenic serotype of bacteria.

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History

E. coli O104:H21 was discovered in 1982, when it caused an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea. It had infected hamburgers, and those effected had eaten these hamburgers not fully-cooked.^[2]

Effects

E. coli O104:H21 can cause outbreak of infection similar to that caused by E. coli O157:H7, the most common shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (SLTEC). SLTECs are the most well-known causes of gastrointestinal illness and diarrhea.^[3]

Treatment

The body usually rids itsself of harmful E. coli O104:H21 on its own within 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used, and neither should antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide.^[4]

See also

• Escherichia coli
• E. coli O157:H7

References