E. coli O157:H7 infection is a major public health concern in North America, Europe, and other areas of the world. Although the total case numbers of E. coli O157:H7 infections are lower than those of other enteric pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter spp., the diseases caused by E. coli O157:H7 showed much higher hospitalization and fatality rates [43]. Human infection caused by E. coli O157:H7 can present a broad clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic cases to death. Most cases initiate with non-bloody diarrhea and self-resolve without further complication. However, some patients progress to bloody diarrhea or HC in 1–3 days. In 5–10% of HC patients, the disease can progress to the life-threatening sequelae, HUS or thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) [1]. E. coli O157:H7 is the most common cause of HUS in the United States. Children and the elderly are at increased risk of severe clinical symptoms such as HUS.
Several strategies for therapy have been studied including the use of antibiotics and vaccination. However, there is no specific treatment for E. coli O157:H7 infection and the use of antibiotics may be contraindicated. Therefore, treatment is mainly supportive to limit the duration of symptoms and prevent systemic complications. Given this status, highly effective measures for prevention and control of E. coli O157:H7 infections are essential.