Shiga Toxin and Its Effect on the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is responsible for hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and acute encephalopathy, which are triggered by the presence of STEC in food and water or cross contamination. When the central nervous system (CNS) is compromised, the mortality rate increases significantly. Like other Gram-negative bacteria, STEC also releases lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although Stx causes brain damage directly through its canonical receptor Gb3 as well as indirectly through multisystemic factors, LPS, a proinflammatory element, amplifies the deleterious effects of STEC. This chapter aims to cover the latest clinical studies on neurological deficits resulting from HUS-associated encephalopathy as predictors of risk factors in typical HUS. Also, an update of experimental data from the behavioral to the cellular level on the pathophysiological processes produced by Stx in the CNS is provided. Finally, some pharmacological therapies are included that are considered experimentally and clinically relevant for future perspectives.