Cytolethal Distending Toxin (Cdt)-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from a Child with Bloody Diarrhea in Japan

In a retrospective analysis by PCR, the cdtI gene encoding the cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) was detected in Escherichia coli O2:H12 strain isolated from the bloody diarrheal stool specimen of a child. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the possible association of Cdt-producing E. coli in Japan, particularly in a child with bloody diarrhea.