Expression of the locus of enterocyte effacement genes during the invasion process of the atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 1711-4 strain of serotype O51:H40.

, cross the gut barrier, and reach extraintestinal sites in animal models. By studying how different known aEPEC virulence factors are expressed during the invasion process, we can gain insight into the commonality of this phenotype among other aEPEC strains. This will help us develop preventive measures to control infections caused by invasive strains. No known virulence-encoding genes linked to the invasion process were found. Nevertheless, additional studies are still necessary to evaluate the role of other factors in this phenotype.