Identification and detection of iha subtypes in LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from humans cattle and food

摘要

LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) strains are important cause of infection in humans and they should be included in the public health surveillance systems. Some isolates have been associated with haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) but the mechanisms of pathogenicity are is a field continuos broadening of knowledge. The IrgA homologue adhesin (Iha), encoded by , is an adherence-conferring protein and also a siderophore receptor distributed among LEE-negative STEC strains. This study reports the presence of different subtypes of in LEE-negative STEC strains. We used genomic analyses to design PCR assays for detecting each of the different subtypes and also, all the subtypes simultaneously. LEE-negative STEC strains were designed and different localizations of this gene in STEC subgroups were examinated.