E.coli O157:H7

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are enteric pathogens that produce a potent toxin responsible for serious human disease.

Numerous serotypes exist, but only a few have been frequently associated with severe disease in humans. Among these, the best known and most widespread is serogroup O157.

These serogroups are called enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) due to the clinical disease they cause in humans. Infection in humans is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with animals. Among the most at-risk contaminated foods are raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other unpasteurized milk products.

Vegetables (fruit, greens, and sprouts) and juices can also carry the infection, as demonstrated by the numerous epidemics linked to these types of food (spinach, lettuce, sprouts).

Plant contamination occurs mainly through fertigation practices and in any case through contamination with zootechnical waste.

E. coli STEC possess genes encoding particular toxins called shigatoxins (stx), which are divided into two main types, Stx1 and Stx2. Another gene encoding an important virulence factor called intimin, a factor that allows E. coli to colonize and adhere to the intestinal wall for easier toxin transfer.

Two distinct test kits are available: one for the specific detection of toxins, the other for the determination of the E. coli O157:H7 responsible for the production of toxins.

* Patent licenses WO 00/28082, WO 01/34790, WO 01/77317, WO 02/24902, WO 01/34838 ** Industrial invention patent no. 0001425753 dated 09.11.2016