What is "verocytotoxin"

n. Any of a group of toxins, found in some microorganisms of genus ''Shigella'' and ''Escherichia'', that can cause acute renal failure.

Verocytotoxin is a Shiga-like toxin produced by the E. coli strain O157, and Shigella type 1.

It causes acute renal failure in children, as a result of Haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

The toxin has two parts. The A part damages gut epithelium through inhibiting its protein synthesis, facilitating entry to the blood stream. The 5 B parts are adapted to inserting the A part into epithelial cells.