Hetero-Pathogenic O181:H4 EAHEC Strain of Sequence Type ST678 Associated with Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome in Schoolchildren in Russia

<p>Background: In the last decade, the importance of hetero-pathogenic enteroaggregative Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli for public health has increased. Recently, we described the genetic background of the EAHEC O181:H4 strain of ST678 carrying the stx2 gene in prophage and five plasmids, including the plasmid-carrying aggR and aaiC genes. Here, we present the morphological and enzymatic haracteristics of this strain, as well as susceptibility to antimicrobials, biofilm formation, etc. Methods: Bacterial morphology was studied using an electron microscope. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined using the microdilution method. Cytotoxicity was estimated in Vero cells. Virulence was studied on mice. Results: The morphological and enzymatic properties of the hetero-pathogenic EAHEC strain were typical for E. coli; electron microscopy revealed the specific flagella. The strain was susceptible to most antibiotics and disinfectants but resistant to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin and showed a high degree of biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity towards Vero cells was estimated as 80%. Conclusions: The emergence of a new O181:H4 EAHEC strain poses a potential threat to humans because of the virulence potential that must be taken into account in the epidemiological analysis of outbreaks and sporadic cases of foodborne infections associated with hemolytic–uremic syndrome.</p>

Microorganisms

EAHEC

hemolytic–uremic syndrome

biofilm

antimicrobials

Background: In the last decade, the importance of hetero-pathogenic enteroaggregative Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli for public health has increased. Recently, we described ...

Hetero-Pathogenic O181:H4 EAHEC Strain of Sequence Type ST678 Associated with Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome in Schoolchildren in Russia

Authors

Николай Николаевич Карцев

Елена Викторовна Детушева

Ольга Викторовна Калмантаева

Ольга Викторовна Коробова

Владимир Николаевич Герасимов

Татьяна Ивановна Комбарова

Александр Иванович Борзилов

Надежда К Фурсова

Анатолий Николаевич Верещагин

Эдвард А. Светоч

We recommend that you study