Development of a Mouse Model of Shiga Toxin 2 (STX2) Intoxication for Testing Therapeutic Agents against Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

Abstract

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) caused by infections with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli is a life-threatening complication characterized by acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Stx is the main pathogenic factor. Therefore, the mouse model by intravenous administration of a single lethal dose of Stx is often used to explore its pathogenic mechanisms. The aim of this work was to develop an alternative mouse model of Stx type 2 (Stx2) intoxication to evaluate new therapeutic strategies.