Bacteriology mnemonic

Bacteria that cause bloody diarrhoea (dysentery)

The mnemonic

SSEEC

What each word stands for

  • SSalmonella (non-typhoidal)
  • SShigella
  • EEnteroinvasive E. coli
  • EEnterohaemorrhagic E. coli
  • CCampylobacter jejuni

Why it matters clinically

Helps list invasive causes when stool shows blood, mucus and white cells.

Where it stops being reliable

EHEC is toxin-mediated rather than invasive. Also consider Entamoeba histolytica and Yersinia; watery toxin-mediated diarrhoea is not covered.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Bacteriology mnemonic?

SSEEC. It helps you recall: Bacteria that cause bloody diarrhoea (dysentery).

What does "S" stand for?

Shigella

What does "E" stand for?

Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli

What does "C" stand for?

Campylobacter jejuni

What are all the parts of the SSEEC mnemonic?

S: Salmonella (non-typhoidal); S: Shigella; E: Enteroinvasive E. coli; E: Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli; C: Campylobacter jejuni.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Bacteriology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

EHEC is toxin-mediated rather than invasive. Also consider Entamoeba histolytica and Yersinia; watery toxin-mediated diarrhoea is not covered.

How is this useful clinically?

Helps list invasive causes when stool shows blood, mucus and white cells.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Microbiology question about Bacteriology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.