Boundaries That Prevent or May Lead Animals to be Reservoirs of Escherichia coli O104:H4

J Food Prot. 2023 Mar;86(3):100053. doi: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100053. Epub 2023 Feb 2.

Abstract

Escherichia coli O104:H4, a hybrid serotype carrying virulence factors from enteroaggregative (EAEC) and Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) pathotypes, is the reported cause of a multicountry outbreak in 2011. Evaluation of potential routes of human contamination revealed that this strain is a foodborne pathogen. In contrast to STEC strains, whose main reservoir is cattle, serotype O104:H4 has not been commonly isolated from animals or related environments, suggesting an inability to naturally colonize the gut in hosts other than humans. However, contrary to this view, this strain has been shown to colonize the intestines of experimental animals in infectious studies. In this minireview, we provide a systematic summary of reports highlighting potential evolutionary changes that could facilitate the colonization of new reservoirs by these bacteria.

Keywords: Animal host; Colonization; EAEC; EHEC; Reservoir.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli O104*
  • Humans
  • Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli*
  • Virulence
  • Virulence Factors

Substances

  • Virulence Factors