Open AccessAntibody response against plasmid‐encoded toxin (Pet) and the protein involved in intestinal colonization (Pic) in children with diarrhea produced by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Bellini Estela M.,
Elias Waldir P.,
Gomes Tânia A.T.,
Tanaka Tânia L.,
Taddei Carla R.,
Huerta Rocio,
NavarroGarcia Fernando,
Martinez Marina B.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.08.008
Subject(s) - enteroaggregative escherichia coli , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , antibody , isotype , escherichia coli , enterotoxin , diarrhea , virology , serine protease , immunology , enterobacteriaceae , protease , monoclonal antibody , medicine , gene , biochemistry , enzyme
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is an emerging cause of pediatric and adult travellers diarrhea. The mechanism by which EAEC induce diarrhea is not completely known. Two serine protease autotransporter proteins, named Pet and Pic have been identified in EAEC strains. Pet has enterotoxic and cytotoxic activities, while the role of Pic in pathogenesis may lie on its mucinolytic activity. Little is known about Pet and Pic biological activities in vivo. In this study the antibody responses against these autotransporter proteins in convalescent children is investigated. Fifteen (83%) children showed specific antibodies against Pet or Pic in their sera. IgG and IgM antibodies were the main isotype found. Specific antibodies against Pic, but not against Pet, were detected in sera from age‐matched control group. These data show that specific anti‐Pet and anti‐Pic antibodies are produced during the course of a natural EAEC infection in children.