Decode dead E.coli strains

The researchers deciphered the mysterious strain of E. coli that caused a pandemic in 2011 in Germany, killing 54 people and "knocking down" more than 3,800 people.

Michigan State University's team of scientists (USA, led by Shannon Manning) proposed a method to control the strain of E. coli O104: H4.

The E.coli pandemic in Germany used to make experts
headaches because of unknown causes

This is a line that shares some of the characteristics of other dangerous E. coli bacteria, but its combination is completely new.

They have not yet discovered the exact pathogenicity mechanism of this strain, although Manning and his teammates have been able to identify its 'Achilles heel' as a biofilm, according to a report published by Public Library of Science. ONE .

By focusing on biofilms, Manning's team discovered that the strain of E. coli in Germany creates more toxic genes like Shiga toxin.

Increasing production of Shiga toxins may be the main cause of many cases of kidney failure and lead to death in 2011.

"What makes the pandemic in Germany completely different from previous cases is that many victims of kidney failure are adults , " said Manning.

Often, other types of E.coli cause kidney failure in children under 10 years of age.