Overview

Vero-cytotoxin/Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC/STEC) are a significant threat to public health, causing food-borne and water-borne diarrhea disease and mortality worldwide. If left undetected, these conditions can progress to life-threatening diseases such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The Problem

Traditional detection methods focus exclusively on O157 VTEC species, which means non-O157 serotypes often go undetected. The recent non-O157 outbreak in Germany caused substantial mortality and highlighted the need for new diagnostics to address this pathogen. In 2012, there were multiple outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections in the United States from certain sources and varieties of green, leafy produce. Treatment with antibiotics for VTEC infection is not recommended as it can increase the likelihood of developing complications such as HUS.

Consequences

Sub-optimal diagnosis for VTEC infection can result in the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics that could result in adverse clinical consequences, as well as increasing the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Rapid Testing

The new SHIGA TOXIN QUIK CHEK test from Alere, developed and manufactured by TechLab™, Inc., is the only rapid test able to detect VTEC/STEC toxins from all common sub-types directly from fecal samples in under 30 minutes. Prompt detection can ensure antibiotics are not prescribed for VTEC disease, potentially improving the clinical outcome of the patient.

Alere SHIGA TOXIN QUIK CHEK

Detect VTEC/STEC toxins direct from fecal samples with the new SHIGA TOXIN QUIK CHEK test.

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