Virulence-related O islands in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

ABSTRACT: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a principally foodborne pathogen linked to serious diseases, including bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that EHEC O157 contains 177 unique genomic islands, termed O islands, compared with the nonpathogenic E. coli K-12 laboratory strain. These O islands contribute largely to the pathogenicity of EHEC O157:H7 by providing numerous virulence factors, effectors, virulence regulatory proteins, and virulence regulatory sRNAs. The present review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research progress on the function of O islands, especially focusing on virulence-related O islands.

SUBMITTER: Jiang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8565820 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature