Definition of Shiga toxin in US English:
Shiga toxin
nounˈSHēɡə ˌtäksənˈSHēɡə ˌtäksən
A toxin produced by the bacterium Shigella dysenteriae, or a similar one produced by E. coli, causing dysentery in humans.
during infection there are changes of cytokine levels that can be ascribed to an effect of Shiga toxin on different cell types
Example sentencesExamples
- The assay was based on the incorporation of digoxigenin labeled dUTP and a biotin labeled primer specific for Shiga toxin genes during PCR amplification.
- E. coli produces two known toxins called Shiga toxins, which can cause fatal kidney damage.
- Stec strains carry a set of virulence genes that encode the factors for attachment to host cells, elaboration of effective molecules and production of two different types of Shiga toxins.
- But E. coli O157: H7 is a rare variety that produces large quantities of potent Shiga toxins, which can cause severe damage to small blood vessels and kidney tissue.
- The non-toxic B-subunit of Shiga toxin binds to specific receptors found on dendritic cells in vivo and in vitro, acting as a specific carrier molecule for tumor associated antigens.
Origin
Early 20th century: from the name of Shigella dysenteriae (see also shigella).