What is the shiga toxin?

Shiga toxin is a potent protein toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria, primarily Shigella dysenteriae and some Escherichia coli strains, such as E. coli O157:H7. It inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell death and severe intestinal damage. This toxin is responsible for the symptoms of dysentery and can cause serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects the kidneys. Due to its severity, shiga toxin is a major concern in food safety and public health.