Serological screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals of Buenos Aires suburbs.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic disease caused by the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2. Domestic and wild animals are susceptible to infection and are potential reservoirs for virus variants. To date, there is no information about the exposure of companion animals in Buenos Aires Suburbs, the area with the largest population in Argentina where the highest number of COVID-19 human cases occurred during the first infection wave.

Role of Shiga Toxins in Cytotoxicity and Immunomodulatory Effects of O157:H7 during Host-Bacterial Interactions in vitro.

Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) strains are food-borne pathogens that can cause different clinical conditions. Shiga toxin 2a and/or 2c (Stx2)-producing O157:H7 is the serotype most frequently associated with severe human disease. In this work we analyzed the hypothesis that host cells participate in Stx2 production, cell damage, and inflammation during EHEC infection.

Relevance of Bacteriophage 933W in the Development of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), principally caused by shiga toxins (Stxs), is associated with Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) infections. We previously reported Stx2 expression by host cells and . As the genes encoding the two Stx subunits are located in bacteriophage genomes, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of bacteriophage induction in HUS development in absence of an O157:H7 genomic background.

Recent Advances in Shiga Toxin-Producing Research in Latin America.

Pathogenic are known to be a common cause of diarrheal disease and a frequently occurring bacterial infection in children and adults in Latin America. Despite the effort to combat diarrheal infections, the south of the American continent remains a hot spot for infections and sequelae associated with the acquisition of one category of pathogenic , the Shiga toxin-producing (STEC). This review will focus on an overview of the prevalence of different STEC serotypes in human, animals and food products, focusing on recent reports from Latin America outlining the recent research progress achieved in this region to combat disease and endemicity in affected countries and to improve understanding on emerging serotypes and their virulence factors.