Presence of Shiga toxin 2e‐producing Escherichia coli and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli in an asymptomatic child

Abstract

Introduction:Escherichia coli causes gastroenteritis in humans and animals.Case presentation:In this study, both Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains were identified in a stool sample from a healthy child, and they were serotyped as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) ONT : H19 and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) O37 : H45.Conclusion:This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a concomitant presence of diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) strains in an asymptomatic child. None of the microorganisms was able to produce diarrhoea, maybe because they were transient bacteria or because of the good immune status of the child. Attention should be paid to this result and it could be of interest in vaccine prospects.

Genomic Characteristics of Stx2e-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Derived from Humans, Animals, and Meats

“…Although Stx2e is a less common subtype in human STEC strains, studies have shown associations between Stx2e-STEC and severe symptoms such as HUS [16,37,38], and diarrhea [18,19]. Molecular characterization revealed that human-derived Stx2e-STEC strains in this study were diverse.…”

“…Stx2e-STECs have also been found in environmental samples such as wastewater [15]. Although Stx2e-STEC is less frequently identified in humans, a few studies have indicated an association between Stx2e-STEC and human HUS [16], mild diarrhea, or asymptomatic cases [17][18][19], but the relationship between STEC isolates and human diseases has not been clearly delineated.…”