[Verotoxin as an important factor in the virulence of E. coli strains]

Verotoxin as a factor of virulence of E. coli strains is involved in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The most frequent producers of verocytotoxin are E. coli O157:H7 and O157:H-, yet further 57 E. coli serotypes producing verotoxin have been described. The occurrence rate of verocytotoxigenic strains of E. coli is increasing worldwide and should be a matter of concern also in our conditions. (Ref. 56.)