E.Coli virulence factors

Question 1

What are virulence factors of E.Coli?

Answer 1

• P pili/fimbriae (specifically, **mannose-binding type I fimbria)🡪causes cystitis and pyelonephritis (UTIs)
• K capsule (composed of sialic acid)🡪causes pneumonia, neonatal meningitis
• LPS endotoxin (O157:H7 strain)=Shiga-like toxin (EHEC)🡪causes septic shock; NOT a superantigen
• Heat labile toxin (ETEC)—increases cAMP—>causes watery diarrhea
• Heat-stable toxin (ETEC)—increases cGMP—>causes watery diarrhea