How does E. coli make you sick?

How does E. coli make you sick?

The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga. This toxin damages the lining of your small intestine and causes your diarrhea. These strains of E. coli are also called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The STEC that is most well-known in North America and most often referred to is E. coli O157:H7, or just E. coli O157

There are other types of STEC that are called non-O157 STEC. These strains cause similar illness to the O157 strain but are less likely to lead to serious complications.