A comparison of enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli pathogenesis

Abstract

This review covers enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infections, focusing on differences in their virulence factors and regulation. While Shiga-toxin expression from integrated bacteriophages sets EHEC apart from EPEC, EHEC infections often originate from asymptomatic carriage in ruminants whereas human EPEC are considered to be overt pathogens and more host-restricted. In part, these differences reflect variation in adhesin repertoire, type III-secreted effectors and the way in which these factors are regulated.