[Characteristics and molecular biology of verotoxin produced by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli].

In 1996, there were several large outbreaks of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli(EHEC) O157:H7 in Japan. More than 9,000 people were infected with the bacteria and 11 of these infections were fatal. Verotoxins(VTs) produced by EHEC are responsible for the death due to mainly hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS). The structure and mode of action of VTs are reviewed. The differences between VT1 and VT2 are also reviewed from the viewpoint of secretion, toxicity, and immunogenicity. The effect of antibiotics usage on the occurrence of HUS is briefly reported.