Probiotic and postbiotic strategies to mitigate Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli virulence: A mechanistic review for next-generation functional foods

초록

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) remains a major foodborne pathogen responsible for severe gastrointestinal and systemic complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Antibiotic therapy is often contraindicated because it promotes prophage induction and enhances Shiga toxin release, emphasizing that there are non-antibiotic alternatives compatible with food applications. This mechanistic review synthesizes evidence on how probiotic microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, and Saccharomyces boulardii, and their postbiotic metabolites modulate STEC adhesion, biofilm formation, virulence expression, inflammatory signaling, and toxin activity. Functional metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, polyphenols, and microcins, are highlighted for their ability to reinforce epithelial barrier integrity and generate physicochemical conditions unfavorable to STEC colonization. Integration of foodomics, metagenomics, and mechanistic studies further elucidates strain-specific action pathways and supports the design of food-based delivery platforms and next-generation functional ingredients. The review also evaluates the translational potential of postbiotics as stable, regulatory-friendly bioactives for functional food development. Collectively, the insights provide a microbiome-informed blueprint for designing safe and effective interventions to mitigate STEC risk across food systems.

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