Shiga Toxin

This stool test measures shiga toxins which are a family of toxins with two major groups: stx1 and stx2, which are produced by S.dysenteriae and the shigatoxidenic group of Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC can cause diarrhoea often accompanied by cramping, fever and vomiting. STEC strains have been traced to undercooked meat, unpasteurised fruit juice and milk, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, dry cured salami and cheese curds. This test is indicated for E.coli symptoms such as cramping, diarrhoea, fever and vomiting along with haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome.