Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are common. Organisms are commensal in cattle. Thus the association with beef products and unpasteurized cider from apples found in cow pastures. Many strains produce Shiga-toxin resulting in hemolytic uremic syndrome. Prolonged use of anti motility agents is associated with more systemic complications of EHEC infection.
Treatment is re-hydration.
The role of antibiotics is uncertain. In most cases of E. coli diarrhea, therapy is decided on clinical grounds without knowing the etiologic type. Prevention - wash hands, cook hamburger well and don't drink unpasteurized cider.