Many strains of E. coli in animals now carry genes for Shigella dysenteriae-like toxin (SLT) also called verotoxin as it is cytotoxic to Vero cells. A small subset of these strains cause serious disease in humans and are known as enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
The most well-known is EHEC serogroup 0157:H7 which has caused numerous food-poisoning and other outbreaks in the UK and USA. The main reservoirs for the organism are cattle and sheep in which there is no apparent disease just cycling of colonisation in herds.
The main aims of the research are:
Determine how EHEC 0157 and other VTEC strains colonise and persist in the bovine host
Dissect the regulation, assembly and function of the type III secretion system required for colonisation of cattle
Examine immune responses to human and cattle "infection" with EHEC 0157
Design strategies to reduce carriage in the ruminant host
Much of the research on E. coli 0157 within the ZAP Lab was originally funded by a DEFRA Veterinary Fellowship which is now replaced by the VTRI. Specific ongoing projects may be seen by viewing the profiles of people who work in ZAP.
Research has recently started in partnership with Novartis Animal Vaccines Ltd to design a vaccine that will prevent cattle colonisation and therefore protect public health.
