Molecular biology studies on VTEC and HUSEC

The purpose of the study is to increase our ability to isolate and identify the types of verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) that cause haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) in humans. These types are referred to as HUS-causing E. coli (HUSEC). As markers for HUSEC, we use serotypes and the verotoxin subtype 2a. Molecular methods to find verotoxin 2a-carrying strains in samples from animals are improved, and strains found in other projects are characterized to provide a knowledge base for classifying strains as more or less of a threat for humans.