EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coliO157:H7 Episode in Japan with a Perspective on Vero Toxins (Shiga-like Toxins)

In 1996, the largest outbreak caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 in the history of EHEC-mediated disease occurred in Japan. More than 9,000 persons were affected and 12 patients died due to complications of the disease. In this review, an attempt is made to trace the chronology of events of the EHEC O157:H7 outbreaks which have occurred in Japan since the first outbreak occurred in USA in 1982. Included is a discussion of the largest outbreak which occurred in 1996, and the kind of research performed in the past 15 years in Japan with emphasis on the current focus of research.