An Stx-EAEC O59:NM[H19] strain isolated from a hemolytic uremic syndrome case in Argentina

摘要

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) are a heterogeneous group of foodborne pathogens causing a broad spectrum of human disease, from uncomplicated diarrhea to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In this study, we report an HUS case associated with an O59:NM[H19] strain, harboringstx2a,iha,lpfAO26,lpfAO113genes associated with STEC, andaatA,aap,pic,sigA,agg4Agenes associated with enteroaggregativeE. coli(EAEC), named Stx-EAEC. The strain showed low toxicity on Vero cells, and was resistant to streptomycin and trimethoprim/sulfonamides. The child carried the bacteria for more than 100 days. Since the large outbreak associated with Stx-EAEC O104:H4, many strains with similar profiles have been described. In Germany, an O59:NM[H19] strain, with comparable characteristics to the Argentine strain, was isolated from a bloody diarrhea case. In Argentina, this is the first report of an HUS case associated with a Stx-EAEC infection, and represents a new challenge for the surveillance system.