Is verotoxin the same a Shiga toxin?
The E. coli version of the toxin was named “verotoxin” because of its ability to kill Vero cells (African green monkey kidney cells) in culture. Shortly after, the verotoxin was referred to as Shiga-like toxin because of its similarities to Shiga toxin.
What causes verotoxin?
Coli Verotoxin (Shiga) infections? Symptoms of E. coli Vero (Shiga) vary but can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and high fever (hemorrhagic colitis). More rarely, the infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition in which infected red blood cells clog and damage the kidneys.
Which E. coli is produced by verotoxin?
Escherichia coli O157:H7, other verotoxin-producing E coli and the hemolytic uremic syndrome in childhood.
How does verotoxin cause hemolytic uremic syndrome?
On entering the intestinal microcirculation, shiga toxin affects vascular endothelial cells and causes vascular thrombosis. Subsequently, the toxin travels to the kidney via the systemic circulation and causes severe histopathological kidney changes known to be associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome.
How does Verotoxin cause hemolytic uremic syndrome?
Is Verotoxin a protein?
coli and Other Shiga Toxin–Producing E. coli Strains. Shiga toxins (also called verotoxins) are related bacteriophage-encoded cytotoxins that block protein synthesis and induce host cell death.
Is verotoxin a protein?
Does EPEC produce Shiga toxin?
All EPEC strains lack genes encoding shiga toxin (stx). Presence of stx gene can distinguish STEC strains from EPEC strains.
How do you get STEC?
People become infected with STEC when they eat any product contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria live in the intestines of healthy cattle, and contamination of their meat may occur during the slaughtering process. Infection most typically occurs by eating contaminated food, particularly raw or undercooked meat.
What is the main reason for hemolytic-uremic syndrome?
What causes HUS? Most cases of HUS occur after an infection in the digestive tract caused by the E. coli bacterium, O157:H7. Diarrhea and upper respiratory infections are the most common factors leading to HUS.