Role of Shiga/Vero toxins in pathogenesis.

Shiga toxin (Stx) is the primary cause of severe host responses including renal and central nervous system (CNS) disease in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections. The interaction of Stx with different eukaryotic cell types is described. Host responses to Stx and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are compared as related to the features of the STEC-associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Data derived from animal models of HUS and CNS disease, in vivo, and eukaryotic cells, in vitro, are evaluated in relation to HUS disease of humans.