Relationship between Virulence Gene Profiles of Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Isolates from Cattle and Sheep in New Zealand.

Virulence gene profiles of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) from cattle, sheep, and humans were examined to determine the relationship between pathotypes. Shared virulence factors (intimin, EHEC hemolysin, serine protease, and a type II secretion system) were identified, suggesting a dynamic evolutionary relationship between aEPEC and STEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]