Role of bacterial cytotoxins in hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Bacterial cytotoxins, which are produced by Shigella dysenteriae 1 and certain E. coli serotypes, kill mammalian cells by inhibiting protein synthesis. They have been related to hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, probably by initial insult to vascular endothelial cells. This insight opened new avenues of research and possible interventions.