Shiga toxin
from class: Microbiology Definition Shiga toxin is a potent bacterial toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae and some strains of Escherichia coli. It inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell death and severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Shiga toxin is known for causing bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). It functions by cleaving a specific adenine residue from the 28S rRNA of the ribosome, halting protein synthesis. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is often acquired through contaminated food or water. Antibiotic treatment can worsen the condition by increasing the release of Shiga toxin. The receptor for Shiga toxin on human cells is globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is abundant in kidney cells. Review Questions What are the primary symptoms caused by Shiga toxin? How does Shiga toxin inhibit protein synthesis in host cells? Why can antibiotic treatment exacerbate conditions caused by Shiga toxin?
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