EHEC
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- Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)
- Virulence Factors
- O157:H7 is most common EHEC serotype in US
- Produces Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin)
- inactivates 60s ribosomal subunit, stopping protein production and leading to cell death
- Major mediator of pathogenicity; toxin-mediated enterocyte death and intestinal hemorrhage
- Similar to the mechanism of shiga toxin in Shigella spp.
- Contrast vs. Shigella, where toxin plays minor role in pathogenesis
- Transmission
- Ingested via undercooked meat (beef)
- unpasteurized milk, contaminated water are also sources
- Ingested via undercooked meat (beef)
- Presentation
- Bloody Diarrhea
- May be complicated by Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney injury
- Virulence Factors