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Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) are a specialised group of E.
coli, that cause severe colonic disease and renal failure. Their pathogenicity derives from virulence factors which enable the bacteria to colonise the colon and deliver extremely powerful toxins known as verotoxins (VT) or Shiga toxins (Stx) to the systemic circulation.
The recent devastating E. coli O104:H4 epidemic in Europe has shown how helpless we are in terms of offering effective therapies.
By examining the sources and distribution of these bacteria, and how they cause disease , we will be in better shape to prevent and treat the inevitable future cases of sporadic disease and victims of common-source outbreaks. Due to the complexity of pathogenesis, it is likely a multi-targeted approach is warranted.
Developments in terms these treatments are discussed.See related article: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/11
Author: Paul N GoldwaterKarl A Bettelheim
Credits/Source: BMC Medicine 2012, 10:12
Published on: 2012-02-02
coli, that cause severe colonic disease and renal failure. Their pathogenicity derives from virulence factors which enable the bacteria to colonise the colon and deliver extremely powerful toxins known as verotoxins (VT) or Shiga toxins (Stx) to the systemic circulation.
The recent devastating E. coli O104:H4 epidemic in Europe has shown how helpless we are in terms of offering effective therapies.
By examining the sources and distribution of these bacteria, and how they cause disease , we will be in better shape to prevent and treat the inevitable future cases of sporadic disease and victims of common-source outbreaks. Due to the complexity of pathogenesis, it is likely a multi-targeted approach is warranted.
Developments in terms these treatments are discussed.See related article: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/11
Author: Paul N GoldwaterKarl A Bettelheim
Credits/Source: BMC Medicine 2012, 10:12
Published on: 2012-02-02
