Distribution and evolution of virulence factors in septicemic Escherichia coli

Bacterial septicemia is an emerging clinical problem which is increasing in significance due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. In order to combat this problem, it is essential to identify the critical virulence factors of these septicemic strains and study their functions and role in pathogenesis. Here, we survey some of the virulence factors which are essential for sepsis and are potential candidates for development of new drugs or vaccines. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.