Assessment of Physician Knowledge and Practices Concerning Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Infection and Enteric Illness, 2009, Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet)

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections cause acute diarrheal illness and sometimes life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Escherichia coli O157 is the most common STEC, although the number of reported non-O157 STEC infections is growing with the increased availability and use of enzyme immunoassay testing, which detects the presence of Shiga toxin in stool specimens. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of STEC infection facilitates appropriate therapy and may improve patient outcomes.