Shiga toxin enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 – an emerging serotype

Sa？etak During the outbreak of Shiga-Toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), serotype O104: H4 in Germany in 2011, up to 4500 patients were affected, with the incidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome of over 20%. Isolated strain, previously rare in humans, belongs to enteroaggregative pathotypes of E. coli, but with the virulence factors congruent with pathotypes of enterohemorrhagic and enteroaggregative E. coli. Genome analysis implies the possibility of horizontal gene transfer between EHEC and EAEC. Combinations of low infectious dose, highly cytotoxic toxins ST 2a led to a high percentage of thromboangyopathic complications. Epidemiology studies suggest an association of the outbreak with contaminated seeds imported from Africa