ABSTRACT
Cattle are the main animal reservoir of Vero Cytotoxinproducing Escherichia Coli (VTEC) strains implicated in human disease, and foods of bovine origin, especially undercooked beef and unpasteurized milk, are major sources of human infection. VTEC produces two different Vero cytotoxins, VT1 and VT2, both encoded by bacteriophage. VT1 is very similar to the Shiga toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae serotype1. VT2 is genetically and immunologically distinct, and the presence of VT2 is significantly associated with symptoms of bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. VTEC infection can present in a number of ways. Gastroenteritis is the most common manifestation of VTEC, and symptoms include watery diarrhoea with or without vomiting, abdominal cramps, or fever. Clinical management of gastroenteritis caused by VTEC consists of adequate hydration therapy, correction of electrolyte balance, and supportive care. Introduction of VTEC into food items occurs during production, handling, or preparation.
