Verocytotoxin

Verocytotoxin is a Shiga-like toxin produced by the E Coli strain O157, and Shigella type 1.

It causes acute renal failure in children, as a result of Haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

The toxin has two parts. The A part damages gut endothelium through inhibting its protein synthesis, facilitating entry to the blood stream. The 5 B parts are adapted to inserting the A part into endothelial cells.

References: Kumar and Clarke, Clinical Medicine, 6th Ed., p636