STEC
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
STEC stands for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Group of E. coli strains, the best known being O157:H7, that produce Shiga toxins and cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and, in about 5–10 percent of cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome. Sources include undercooked ground beef, leafy greens, raw milk and petting zoos.
Example: Stool PCR positive for Shiga toxin: STEC suspected, avoid antibiotics and antimotility drugs, monitor for HUS.
Usage notes
Also called enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) or verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC). The 1993 Jack in the Box hamburger outbreak in the western US transformed food safety rules. Antibiotics are generally avoided because they may increase toxin release. Daily labs watch for falling platelets and rising creatinine.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.