Abstract
We investigated different types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) not belonging to serogroup O157 for their role as human pathogens. Non-O157 STEC isolated from 89 human patients in Germany were characterized according to serotypes, virulence markers, and association with human illness. EaeA-positive STEC were isolated from 54 (60.7%) of the patients and were frequently associated with severe diarrheal disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and young age. EaeA-negative STEC were found in 35 (39.3%) of the patients and were more associated with clinically uncomplicated cases and adult patients. For pediatric patients, a serotype-independent diagnosis of STEC is recommended.
MeSH terms
-
Adhesins, Bacterial*
-
Adolescent
-
Adult
-
Aged
-
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / analysis*
-
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
-
Bacterial Toxins / analysis*
-
Bacterial Toxins / genetics
-
Carrier Proteins*
-
Child
-
Child, Preschool
-
Escherichia coli / genetics
-
Escherichia coli / isolation & purification
-
Escherichia coli / pathogenicity
-
Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology*
-
Escherichia coli Infections / physiopathology*
-
Escherichia coli Proteins*
-
Female
-
Germany
-
Humans
-
Infant
-
Male
-
Middle Aged
-
Shiga Toxins
-
Virulence
Substances
-
Adhesins, Bacterial
-
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
-
Bacterial Toxins
-
Carrier Proteins
-
Escherichia coli Proteins
-
Shiga Toxins
-
eaeA protein, E coli