Sam Tucker

Title: A phage perspective on STEC and the ongoing hunt for STEC treatments

Synopsis: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are defined by their carriage of the virulence factor Shiga toxin (Stx), yet they display remarkable diversity in genome size, morphology and have a large host range. Our research investigates the broader landscape of Stx-encoding phages by including phages that share protein-level similarity but lack the toxin operon. Through this expanded dataset, we uncover bacterial defence mechanisms that may offer protection against Stx-encoding and Stx-like phages.

First published: 19 August 2025

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