Serological detection of verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli in patients with haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Western Europe

Abstract

Sera from 45 patients from The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium who had a clinical diagnosis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were screened for antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli producing Verocytotoxin (VTEC). Sera from 43 family contacts and 34 control patients were also examined. Using the techniques of EIA and immunoblotting, antibodies to the LPS of Escherichia coli O157 were found in 28 patients, and to the LPS of serogroups O115 and O145 in one patient and one family member respectively. The results of our study suggest that VTEC, and in particular Escherichia coli O157, might be a significant cause of HUS in Western Europe.

Complete Genome Sequences of Two Escherichia coli O145:H28 Outbreak Strains of Food Origin

“…Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O145 was identified as a cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) at least two decades ago (1–3), and now is recognized as one of the six non-O157 serotypes that are most frequently associated with human disease in the United States (4, 5). Food-borne outbreaks of O145 infection have been reported worldwide (6–9).…”

VerotoxinogenicCitrobacter freundiiassociated with severe gastroenteritis and cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome in a nursery school: green butter as the infection source

“…was not available (see Table 2). Citrobacter freundii (5) Citrobacter freundii (2), E. coli (1) Citrobacter freundii (1), E. coli (1) Citrobacter freundii (4) Citrobacter freundii (7) Citrobacterfreundii (2), E. coli (1) Citrobacter freundii (3) Citrobacterfreundii (3) (see also [8,21]. t Number and size in Md, plasmid incompatibility groups in brackets.…”

“…The broad range of serovars necessitates a diagnostic approach different to the conventional serological or biochemical tests used in routine medical microbiological investigations. The molecular identification of the various verotoxins (Shiga-like toxins or VTs) was introduced as a diagnostic tool for clinical and epidemiological purposes [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Plasma Cytokine Levels in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

“…Antibodies against the most com mon verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) serotype 0157, which indicates an infection with VTEC. were detected in the plasma of 7 of 12 patients [9].…”