"shiga"

This book presents an overview of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), with in-depth coverage of key areas such as recent Shiga toxin-related poisonings in Europe and the US, the structure, production, and mechanism of action of Shiga toxin, and current methods of detection.

In May of 2011, Western Europe experienced a severe outbreak of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) that culminated in more than 3200 cases and 39 deaths. While Stx is not the only virulence factor associated with STEC, it is certainly the primary determinant associated with the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). At the present time, there are no clinically approved measures to neutralize Stx in individuals suffering from STEC infection. Nor are there any preventatives or therapeutics for ricin toxin. Although incidents of ricin exposure are largely unheard of, federal agencies and public health officials consider it a significant threat. It is well documented that domestic and international terrorist groups have stockpiled, and in some cases weaponized ricin with the intent of releasing it into the public sphere and causing panic, illness and/or death on a local, regional, or possibly national scale.