Pathogenic potential and phylogenomic analysis of <i>stx2</i>-carrying O26:H11 Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from dairy products in France (2014-2024).

ABSTRACT: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are major foodborne pathogens causing sporadic enteric disease and paediatric haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) cases globally. In France, STEC O26:H11 strains carrying the stx2 gene have become the leading cause of paediatric HUS over the last decade. Concurrently, data from the French National Reference Laboratory show an increased proportion of stx2-carrying O26:H11 strains isolated from food, including raw milk products (RMPs). The consumption of RMP contaminated by this specific genotype has been linked to three out of four nationwide outbreaks between 2015 and 2024, confirming its emergence in France with RMPs as a potential source of infections. This study aimed to investigate the population structure, pathogenic pot

SUBMITTER: Soleau N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935931 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature