Cross-Reactive Protection against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Infection by Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in a Mouse Model.

• Enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Escherichia coli are related attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens. The genes responsible for the A/E pathology are encoded in a chromosomal pathogenicity island termed the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). Both pathogens share a high degree of homology in the LEE and additional 'O' islands. EHEC prevalence is much lower in EPEC endemic areas. This may be due to the development of antibodies against common EPEC and EHEC antigens. This study investigated the hypothesis that EPEC infections may protect against EHEC infections. We used a mouse model to inoculate BALB/c mice intragastrically, first with EPEC, followed by EHEC (E. coli O157:H7). Four control groups received either a non-pathogenic E. coli (NPEC) strain followed by EHEC (NPEC/EHEC), alternatively PBS/EHEC, EPEC/PBS or PBS/PBS. Mice were monitored for weight loss and symptoms. EPEC colonized the intestine after challenge and mice developed serum antibodies to intimin and E. coli secreted protein B (encoded in the LEE). Prechallenge with an EPEC strain had a protective effect after EHEC infection as few mice developed mild symptoms, from which they recovered. These mice had an increase in body weight similar to control animals and tissue morphology exhibited mild intestinal changes and normal renal histology. All mice that were not pre-challenged with the EPEC strain developed mild to severe symptoms after EHEC infection, weight loss as well as intestinal and renal histopathological changes. These data suggest that EPEC may protect against EHEC infection in this mouse model.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

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