Pathogenic strains of E. coli possess specific virulence factors that allow them to cause disease. One of the most notorious of these is the Shiga toxin, which is produced by strains like E. coli O157:H7. Shiga toxin can cause damage to the lining of the intestine and lead to symptoms such as severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.
