Fig. 18: Scanning Electron Micrograph of Escherichia coli O157H7
Escherichia coli O157H7 is a strain of E. coli produces a shiga-like toxin that kills epithelial cells of the large intestines causing hemorrhagic colitis, a bloody diarrhea. In rare cases, the shiga-toxin enters the blood and is carried to the kidneys where, usually in children, it damages vascular cells and causes hemolytic uremic syndrome. Note dividing bacilli.
Image provided by Janice Haney Carr.
Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.