Global distribution of epidemic-related Shiga toxin 2 encoding phages among enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

Shiga toxin 2a and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli – a deadly combination

In 2011, a Shiga toxin (Stx) type 2a-producing enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) strain of serotype O104:H4 caused a large lethal outbreak in Northern Europe. Until recently, the pathogenic mechanisms explaining the high virulence of the strain have remained unclear. Our laboratories have shown that EAEC genes encoded on the pAA virulence plasmid, particularly the AggR-regulated AAF/I fimbriae, ...

Shiga Toxin 2A–Encoding Bacteriophages in Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 Strains

To the Editor: In 2011, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) O104:H4 strains that produce Shiga toxins (EAEC-STEC) caused an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease affecting nearly 4,000 patients in Europe (1). During 2001–2013, several countries reported infections caused by EAEC O104:H4 and EAEC-STEC O104:H4 strains (1–9). Genomic analysis of EAEC and EAEC-STEC O104:H4 strains revealed high sim...

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. Outbreaks are linked to bovine food sources. STEC O157:H7 has been responsible for the most severe outbreaks worldwide. However, non-O157 serotypes have emerged as important enteric pathogens in several countries. The main virulence factor of STEC is the production of Shig...

Shiga Toxin – producing Escherichia coli

1. Rautio M, Lonnroth M, Saxen H, Nikku R, Väisanen ML, Finegold SM, et al. Characteristics of an unusual anaerobic pigmented gram-negative rod isolated from normal and infl amed appendices. Clin Infect Dis. 1997;25(Suppl 2):S107–10. 2. Rautio M, Saxen H, Siitonen A, Nikku R, Jousimies-Somer H. Bacteriology of histopathologically defi ned appendicitis in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2000;19:...

Shiga Toxin Producing Escherichia coli