Sensitivity Factors and Human Pathology Related to Infections of Producing Escherichia Coli of Shiga-Toxin

Escherichia coli O157: H7 is the main serotype E. coli responsible for disease in humans. STEC strains (Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli) are all strains with genes encoding Stx toxin cytotoxic for Vero cell cultures (kidney cell of African green monkey), hence the name "verotoxin"also called"Shiga toxin"because of its great similarity to a toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae. Infections caused by EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) are a major problem due to the extreme severity of the clinical manifestations they can generate. These translate into a banal or bloody diarrhea may develop in 5-8% of cases, mainly in young children, to a serious complication hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in adults. The identification of susceptibility factors of clinical interest because it may allow early specific treatment of patients at risk of complications.