Antibody-based protection of gnotobiotic piglets infected with Escherichia coli O157:H7 against systemic complications associated with Shiga toxin 2.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious disease in children, attributable in the majority of cases to infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli. Using gnotobiotic piglets orally infected with E. coli O157:H7, which develop Stx-related cerebellar lesions and fatal neurological symptoms, we show that administration of Stx2-specific antiserum well after challenge protected, in a dose-response fashion, against these symptoms for at least 24 h after bacterial challenge. Twenty-six of 30 piglets given Stx2 antiserum survived the challenge, compared to only 4 of 16 animals given control serum or saline. Given our observations in piglets, Stx antibody of human origin may likewise prevent HUS in children.
Donohue-Rolfe
A
A
Division of Infectious Diseases, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA.
Kondova
I
I
Mukherjee
J
J
Chios
K
K
Hutto
D
D
Tzipori
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000276:immunology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000276:immunology*; D005098:Exotoxins / Q000276:immunology; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D006801:Humans; D022603:Shiga Toxins; D013552:Swine
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D005098:Exotoxins; D022603:Shiga Toxins