Ecoli

Salmonella enterica, a pathogen of birds and mammals, is distributed worldwide and has a considerable impact on human and animal health, being the main causal agent of foodborne infections. The different serotypes within the species show important differences in epidemic potential, virulence, and pathogenicity.

Due to genetic changes, certain strains of E. coli have moved from commensals to pathogens. According to the pathogenic mechanisms involved, different pathotypes are recognized, one of them is STEC, a pathotype that produces Shiga toxins (Stxs).