Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Endotoxin Activity Assay for the Detection of Whole Blood Endotoxemia in Critically Ill Patients
Published on: June 24, 2019
Inhibitory action of telithromycin against Shiga toxin and endotoxin
Saori Nakagawa1, Seiichi Kojio, Ikue Taneike
1Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Disease Control and International Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 757 Ichibanchou, Asahimachidori, Niigata, Japan.
Abstract:
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). High inflammatory cytokine [interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8] levels and low anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) levels are indicators of a high risk for developing HUS in STEC-infected children. In this study, we investigated inhibitory action of telithromycin, a ketolide, against STEC and against Stx and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Telithromycin inhibited in vitro STEC growth without inducing Stx phage, in marked contrast to norfloxacin. Stx markedly induced inflammatory (but not anti-inflammatory) cytokine production in human peripheral blood monocytes, while LPS induced both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Telithromycin selectively inhibited the IL-6 and IL-8 production from Stx-stimulated (but not LPS-stimulated) monocytes. The drug did not significantly inhibit IL-10 production. Our data suggest that Stx plays a crucial role in the stimulation of inflammatory cytokines and such inflammatory response is inhibited by telithromycin, an anti-bacterial agent.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Toxins
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

