VTEC

Definition

VTEC (Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli) are a group of E. coli bacteria that produce toxins called verotoxins or Shiga-like toxins. These bacteria can cause severe foodborne illness in humans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. VTEC strains acquire their toxin-producing ability through horizontal gene transfer via bacteriophages.
2. Infections by VTEC can lead to serious conditions like hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
3. The genetic diversity in VTEC is partly due to the transduction process, where bacteriophages carry toxin genes from one bacterium to another.
4. VTEC are commonly found in undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water.
5. Not all E. coli strains are pathogenic; only specific serotypes like O157:H7 are known to produce verotoxins.

Review Questions

• What mechanism allows VTEC to gain its toxin-producing capability?
• What serious health conditions can result from VTEC infection?
• How do bacteriophages contribute to the genetic diversity of VTEC?

Related terms

Horizontal Gene Transfer: A method by which bacteria can acquire new genes from other organisms within the same generation.

Bacteriophage: A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria, often playing a role in horizontal gene transfer.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A severe condition caused by certain bacterial infections, including VTEC, characterized by hemolytic anemia, acute kidney failure, and low platelet count.