[Clinical and pathogenic aspects of infections due to Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other verocytotoxigenic E. coli]

Abstract

Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), particularly serotype O157:H7, have recently emerged as an important group of food-borne pathogens in humans, causing diseases ranging from mild diarrhea to hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, typically affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Since its identification as a pathogen in 1982, E. coli O157:H7 has been detected in many sporadic cases and outbreaks of HC and HUS, particularly in North America, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In Spain, VTEC is a relatively common cause of sporadic infection, and a total of 10 outbreaks have been reported to date. Thus, knowledge of the clinical and pathogenic aspects of these infections is of particular interest.