Question: The clinical triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal injury characterizes the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is the leading cause for acute kidney injury in the pediatric population. The majority of HUS cases develop following a gastrointestinal infection with Escherichia coli O157. Which toxin, produced by this bacterium, is the putative toxin in the development of HUS?
Answer: Shiga toxin is the putative toxin in the development of HUS. (Keir LS. Shiga toxin associated hemolytic uremic syndrome. 2015 Hematol Oncol Clin N Am 29:525-539)
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