What virulence factor is notably associated with E. coli O157:H7?

What virulence factor is notably associated with E. coli O157:H7?

• A. Enterotoxin
• B. Shiga toxin
• C. Lipopolysaccharide
• D. Capsular polysaccharide

Answer: (B)

The virulence factor notably associated with E. coli O157:H7 is Shiga toxin. This toxin is produced by some strains of the bacterium and plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7, contributing to severe gastrointestinal disease and complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxin inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell death and tissue damage, which is a significant mechanism through which this pathogen inflicts illness. The production of Shiga toxin distinguishes E. coli O157:H7 from other strains of E. coli that may cause milder forms of gastrointestinal disease. This particular strain is classified as a shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), underscoring the importance of this toxin in its virulence profile. Understanding the role of Shiga toxin is crucial for diagnosing infections and managing outbreaks linked to E. coli O157:H7.

The virulence factor notably associated with E. coli O157:H7 is Shiga toxin. This toxin is produced by some strains of the bacterium and plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7, contributing to severe gastrointestinal disease and complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxin inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell death and tissue damage, which is a significant mechanism through which this pathogen inflicts illness.

The production of Shiga toxin distinguishes E. coli O157:H7 from other strains of E. coli that may cause milder forms of gastrointestinal disease. This particular strain is classified as a shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), underscoring the importance of this toxin in its virulence profile. Understanding the role of Shiga toxin is crucial for diagnosing infections and managing outbreaks linked to E. coli O157:H7.