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Characterization of Enteroadherent-Aggregative Escherichia coli, a Putative Agent of Diarrheal Disease.

Authors :
Vial, Pablo A.
Robins-Browne, Roy
Lior, Hermy
Prado, Valeria
Kaper, James B.
Nataro, James P.
Maneval, David
Elsayed, Alaa-el-deen
Levine, Myron M.
Source :
Journal of Infectious Diseases; 1988, Vol. 158 Issue 1, p70-79, 10p
Publication Year :
1988

Abstract

Escherichia coli that exhibit the aggregative pattern of adherence to HEp-2 cells (entero adherent-aggregative E. coli [EA-AggEC]) have been epidemiologically incriminated as a causeof diarrhea. We undertook a preliminary microbiological and pathogenetic characterization of 42 isolates of this putative pathogen. The strains were negative by tests with DNA probes for enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, entero invasive, and entero-hemorrhagic E. coli and, by serotype, did not fit these categories. Thirty-nine of 42 strains had a 55–65-megadalton plasmid; many shared DNA homology. With one representative strain, plasmid transfer was accompanied by transfer of smooth lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae expression, and the aggregative property. EA-AggEC caused characteristic lesions in rabbit and rat ileal loops. The intestinal lesions and (Shiga-like) limb paralysis and death in rabbits inoculated with live organisms suggest toxin involvement; assays for Shiga-like toxins were negative. These preliminary results support the contention that EA-AggEC may represent a distinct category of diarrheagenic E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00221899
Volume :
158
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
79849843