1
|
Thierry SIL, Gannon JE, Jaufeerally-Fakim Y, Santchurn SJ. Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli from animal food sources in Mauritius: Prevalence, serogroup diversity and virulence profiles. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 324:108589. [PMID: 32442794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are important human pathogens associated with diarrhea and in some cases haemorrhagic colitis. Contaminated food derived from cattle and wildlife species are often associated with disease outbreaks. In this study, we report the prevalence, serogroup diversity and virulence profiles of STEC strains derived from cattle, rusa deer and pig. Of the 422 samples analyzed, STEC were detected in 40% (80/200) of cattle, 27.0% (33/122) of deer and 13.0% (13/100) of pigs. STEC isolates belonged to 38 O-serogroups whereby 5.2% (24/462) of the isolates belonged to clinically important EHEC-7 serogroups: O26 (n = 2), O103 (n = 1), O145 (n = 3) and O157 (n = 18). Fourteen serogroups (O26, O51, O84, O91, O100, O104, O110, O117, O145, O146, O156, O157, O177 and ONT) displayed multiple virulence profiles. We also identified two serovars (O117 and O119) in deer which are not well-documented in epidemiological surveys. 73.7% (28/38) of recovered O-serogroups are known to be associated with serious human illnesses including haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and bloody diarrhea. STEC isolates harboring single genotypes stx1, stx2, eae and hlyA accounted for 3.0% (14/462), 9.1% (42/462), 47.6% (220/462) and 1.7% (8/462) of all STEC isolates screened, respectively. Virulence combinations stx1 and stx2 were harboured by 1.3% of isolates while strains with genetic profiles eae/hlyA were the second most prevalent amongst STEC isolates. The full known virulent genotypes (stx2/eae, stx1/stx2/eae, stx1/stx2/hlyA and stx2/eae/hlyA) were present in 22 of the 462 STEC strains. A total of 10 different virulence patterns were recovered amongst animal species. Phylogeny of the gnd gene showed that amongst STEC strains, serovar O100 outlined the main cluster. Fourteen (n = 14) different sequence types (STs) were identified from a panel of twenty (n = 20) STEC isolates. One of the isolate (PG007B) possessed a unique ST (adk 10, fumC 693, gyrB 4, icd 1, mdh 8, purA 8, recA 2) that could not be assigned using MLST databases. None of the ST's recovered in deer were observed in domestic species. Our findings shows that food associated animals found on the tropical island of Mauritius carry a diversity of STEC strains with many serovars known to be associated with human disease. This report indicates that increased awareness, surveillance and hygienic attention at critical stages of the human food chain are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S I L Thierry
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius.
| | - J E Gannon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten, Netherlands
| | - Y Jaufeerally-Fakim
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - S J Santchurn
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Transmission pathways for sporadic Shiga-toxin producing E. coli infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
3
|
Szu SC, Ahmed A. Clinical Studies of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Conjugate Vaccines in Adults and Young Children. Microbiol Spectr 2014; 2. [PMID: 26104443 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ehec-0016-2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric immunization has been the most effective measure to prevent and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in children. The recent inclusion of pneumococcal and meningococcal polysaccharide conjugates in infant immunization further reinforces their importance. Currently there is no human vaccine against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections. This review focuses on the human EHEC vaccine that has been studied clinically, in particular, the polysaccharide conjugate against E. coli O157. The surface polysaccharide antigen, O-specific polysaccharide, was linked to rEPA, recombinant exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In adults and children 2 to 5 years old, O157-rEPA conjugates, shown to be safe, induced high levels of antilipopolysaccharide immunoglobulin G with bactericidal activities against E. coli O157, a functional bioassay that mimics the killing of inoculum in vivo. A similar construct using the B subunit of Shiga toxin (Stx) 1 as the carrier protein elicited both bactericidal and toxin-neutralizing antibodies in mice. So far there is no clinical study of Stx-based human vaccine. Passive immunization of Stx-specific antibodies with humanized, chimeric, or human monoclonal antibodies, produced in transgenic mice, showed promising data in animal models and offered high prospects. Demonstrations of their safety and effectiveness in treating hemolytic-uremic syndrome or patients with EHEC infections are under way, and results are much anticipated. For future development, other virulence factors such as the nontoxic Stx B subunit or intimin should be included, either as carrier protein in conjugates or as independent components. The additional antigens from O157 may provide broader coverage to non-O157 Stx-producing E. coli and facilitate both preventive and therapeutic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shousun Chen Szu
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Amina Ahmed
- Levine Children's Specialty Center-Pediatric Infectious Disease, Carolina Medical Centers, Charlotte, NC 28203
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Majowicz SE, Scallan E, Jones-Bitton A, Sargeant JM, Stapleton J, Angulo FJ, Yeung DH, Kirk MD. Global incidence of human Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections and deaths: a systematic review and knowledge synthesis. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2014; 11:447-55. [PMID: 24750096 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2013.1704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are an important cause of foodborne disease, yet global estimates of disease burden do not exist. Our objective was to estimate the global annual number of illnesses due to pathogenic STEC, and resultant hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and death. MATERIALS We searched Medline, Scopus, SIGLE/OpenGrey, and CABI and World Health Organization (WHO) databases for studies of STEC incidence in the general population, published between January 1, 1990 and April 30, 2012, in all languages. We searched health institution websites for notifiable disease data and reports, cross-referenced citations, and consulted international knowledge experts. We employed an a priori hierarchical study selection process and synthesized results using a stochastic simulation model to account for uncertainty inherent in the data. RESULTS We identified 16 articles and databases from 21 countries, from 10 of the 14 WHO Sub-Regions. We estimated that STEC causes 2,801,000 acute illnesses annually (95% Credible Interval [Cr.I.]: 1,710,000; 5,227,000), and leads to 3890 cases of HUS (95% Cr.I.: 2400; 6700), 270 cases of ESRD (95% Cr.I.: 20; 800), and 230 deaths (95% Cr.I.: 130; 420). Sensitivity analyses indicated these estimates are likely conservative. CONCLUSIONS These are the first estimates of the global incidence of STEC-related illnesses, which have not been explicitly included in previous global burden of disease estimations. Compared to other pathogens with a foodborne transmission component, STEC appears to cause more cases than alveolar echinococcosis each year, but less than typhoid fever, foodborne trematodes, and nontyphoidal salmonellosis. APPLICATIONS Given the persistence of STEC globally, efforts aimed at reducing the burden of foodborne disease should consider the relative contribution of STEC in the target population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Majowicz
- 1 School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lienemann T, Salo E, Rimhanen-Finne R, Rönnholm K, Taimisto M, Hirvonen JJ, Tarkka E, Kuusi M, Siitonen A. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotype O78:H(-) in family, Finland, 2009. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 18:577-81. [PMID: 22469631 PMCID: PMC3309701 DOI: 10.3201/eid1804.111310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STEC carrying stx1c and hlyA genes can invade the human bloodstream. Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and bloody diarrhea but can lead to severe disease, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). STEC serotype O78:H– is rare among humans, and infections are often asymptomatic. We detected a sorbitol-fermenting STEC O78:H–stx1c:hlyA in blood and fecal samples of a 2-week-old boy who had bacteremia and HUS and in fecal samples of his asymptomatic family members. The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and the virulence properties of this invasive STEC were investigated. Our findings demonstrate that contrary to earlier suggestions, STEC under certain conditions can invade the human bloodstream. Moreover, this study highlights the need to implement appropriate diagnostic methods for identifying the whole spectrum of STEC strains associated with HUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taru Lienemann
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jalava K, Ollgren J, Eklund M, Siitonen A, Kuusi M. Agricultural, socioeconomic and environmental variables as risks for human verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) infection in Finland. BMC Infect Dis 2011; 11:275. [PMID: 22008456 PMCID: PMC3226588 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) is the cause of severe gastrointestinal infection especially among infants. Between 10 and 20 cases are reported annually to the National Infectious Disease Register (NIDR) in Finland. The aim of this study was to identify explanatory variables for VTEC infections reported to the NIDR in Finland between 1997 and 2006. We applied a hurdle model, applicable for a dataset with an excess of zeros. Methods We enrolled 131 domestically acquired primary cases of VTEC between 1997 and 2006 from routine surveillance data. The isolated strains were characterized by virulence type, serogroup, phage type and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. By applying a two-part Bayesian hurdle model to infectious disease surveillance data, we were able to create a model in which the covariates were associated with the probability for occurrence of the cases in the logistic regression part and the magnitude of covariate changes in the Poisson regression part if cases do occur. The model also included spatial correlations between neighbouring municipalities. Results The average annual incidence rate was 4.8 cases per million inhabitants based on the cases as reported to the NIDR. Of the 131 cases, 74 VTEC O157 and 58 non-O157 strains were isolated (one person had dual infections). The number of bulls per human population and the proportion of the population with a higher education were associated with an increased occurrence and incidence of human VTEC infections in 70 (17%) of 416 of Finnish municipalities. In addition, the proportion of fresh water per area, the proportion of cultivated land per area and the proportion of low income households with children were associated with increased incidence of VTEC infections. Conclusions With hurdle models we were able to distinguish between risk factors for the occurrence of the disease and the incidence of the disease for data characterised by an excess of zeros. The density of bulls and the proportion of the population with higher education were significant both for occurrence and incidence, while the proportion of fresh water, cultivated land, and the proportion of low income households with children were significant for the incidence of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katri Jalava
- Department of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Geographical association between livestock density and human Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infections. Epidemiol Infect 2010; 139:1081-7. [PMID: 20822576 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268810002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) bacteria can cause outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. Ruminants are seen as the main reservoir. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial association between reported human STEC O157 infections in The Netherlands and different livestock densities. Data were collected at the municipality level and a spatial regression analysis was performed. Between April 1999 and December 2008, 409 symptomatic sporadic cases were registered. Adding an interaction term between season, age, and livestock density showed an increased risk of STEC cases in summer for living in areas with cattle, in particular for young children. In conclusion, cattle, but not pigs or poultry, are indicated as an important source for human STEC O157 infections in rural areas. The association is probably due to direct or indirect contact with cattle, resulting in symptomatic infections, especially in young children.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rooks DJ, Yan Y, McDonald JE, Woodward MJ, McCarthy AJ, Allison HE. Development and validation of a qPCR-based method for quantifying Shiga toxin-encoding and other lambdoid bacteriophages. Environ Microbiol 2010; 12:1194-204. [PMID: 20148931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02162.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To address whether seasonal variability exists among Shiga toxin-encoding bacteriophage (Stx phage) numbers on a cattle farm, conventional plaque assay was performed on water samples collected over a 17 month period. Distinct seasonal variation in bacteriophage numbers was evident, peaking between June and August. Removal of cattle from the pasture precipitated a reduction in bacteriophage numbers, and during the winter months, no bacteriophage infecting Escherichia coli were detected, a surprising occurrence considering that 10(31) tailed-bacteriophages are estimated to populate the globe. To address this discrepancy a culture-independent method based on quantitative PCR was developed. Primers targeting the Q gene and stx genes were designed that accurately and discriminately quantified artificial mixed lambdoid bacteriophage populations. Application of these primer sets to water samples possessing no detectable phages by plaque assay, demonstrated that the number of lambdoid bacteriophage ranged from 4.7 x 10(4) to 6.5 x 10(6) ml(-1), with one in 10(3) free lambdoid bacteriophages carrying a Shiga toxin operon (stx). Specific molecular biological tools and discriminatory gene targets have enabled virus populations in the natural environment to be enumerated and similar strategies could replace existing propagation-dependent techniques, which grossly underestimate the abundance of viral entities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Rooks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Antikainen J, Tarkka E, Haukka K, Siitonen A, Vaara M, Kirveskari J. New 16-plex PCR method for rapid detection of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli directly from stool samples. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 28:899-908. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-009-0720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
10
|
Cobbold RN, Davis MA, Rice DH, Szymanski M, Tarr PI, Besser TE, Hancock DD. Associations between bovine, human, and raw milk, and beef isolates of non-O157 Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli within a restricted geographic area of the United States. J Food Prot 2008; 71:1023-7. [PMID: 18522040 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-71.5.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A survey for Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli in raw milk and beef was conducted within a defined geographic region of the United States. Prevalence rates based on detection of Shiga toxin gene (stx) were 36% for retail beef, 23% for beef carcasses, and 21% for raw milk samples, which were significantly higher than were Shiga toxigenic E. coli isolation rates of 7.5, 5.8, and 3.2%, respectively. Seasonal prevalence differences were significant for stx positivity among ground beef and milk samples. Distribution of stx subtypes among isolates varied according to sample type, with stx1 predominating in milk, stx2 on carcasses, and the combination of both stx1 and stx2 in beef. Ancillary virulence markers eae and ehx were evident in 23 and 15% of isolates, respectively. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated associations between food isolates and sympatric bovine fecal, and human clinical isolates. These data demonstrate that non-O157 Shiga toxigenic E. coli is present in the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, and its risk to health warrants critical assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R N Cobbold
- Field Disease Investigation Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6610, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
van Duynhoven YTHP, Friesema IHM, Schuurman T, Roovers A, van Zwet AA, Sabbe LJM, van der Zwaluw WK, Notermans DW, Mulder B, van Hannen EJ, Heilmann FGC, Buiting A, Jansen R, Kooistra-Smid AMD. Prevalence, characterisation and clinical profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in The Netherlands. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14:437-45. [PMID: 18325039 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.01963.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in The Netherlands is traditionally limited to serogroup O157. To assess the relative importance of STEC, including non-O157 serogroups, stool samples submitted nationwide for investigation of enteric pathogens or diarrhoea were screened with real-time PCR for the presence of the Shiga toxin genes. Patients were selected if their stool contained blood upon macroscopic examination, if they had a history of bloody diarrhoea, were diagnosed with haemolytic uraemic syndrome, or were aged <6 years (irrespective of the bloody aspect of the stool). PCR-positive stools were forwarded to a central laboratory for STEC isolation and typing. In total, 4069 stools were examined, with 68 (1.7%) positive PCR results. The highest prevalence was for stools containing macroscopic blood (3.5%), followed by stools from patients with a history of bloody diarrhoea (2.4%). Among young children, the prevalence (1.0%) was not significantly higher than among random, non-bloody, stool samples from diarrhoeal patients (1.4%). STEC strains were isolated from 25 (38%) PCR-positive stools. Eleven O-serogroups were detected, including five STEC O157 strains. As serogroup O157 represented only 20% of the STEC isolates, laboratories should be encouraged to use techniques enabling them to detect non-O157 serogroups, in parallel with culture, for isolation and subsequent characterisation of STEC strains for public health surveillance and detection of outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y T H P van Duynhoven
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heinikainen S, Pohjanvirta T, Eklund M, Siitonen A, Pelkonen S. Tracing shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli O103, O145, and O174 infections from farm residents to cattle. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:3817-20. [PMID: 17804658 PMCID: PMC2168472 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00198-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe diarrheal infections caused by Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli O103:H2:stx(1):eae-epsilon:ehx, O145:H28:stx(1):eae-gamma:ehx (two cases in a family), and O174:H21:stx(2c) in farm residents were traced to cattle. Molecular methods were applied to the isolation and characterization of the strains. The causative strains were also isolated from cattle samples 1 or 4 months later.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirpa Heinikainen
- Department of Animal Diseases and Food Safety Research, Evira, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Kuopio Research Unit, FI-70701, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Johnson KE, Thorpe CM, Sears CL. The emerging clinical importance of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43:1587-95. [PMID: 17109294 DOI: 10.1086/509573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Accepted: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1982, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome were linked to infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7, a serotype now classified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Thereafter, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome associated with non-O157 STEC serogroups were reported, with the frequency of non-O157 STEC illness rivaling that of O157:H7 in certain geographic regions. In the United States, non-O157 E. coli may account for up to 20%-50% of all STEC infections. A high index of suspicion, paired with options to test for non-O157 STEC infection, are necessary for early recognition and appropriate treatment of these infections. Supportive care without the use of antibiotics is currently considered to be optimal treatment for all STEC infections. This commentary provides a perspective on the non-O157 STEC as human pathogens, how and when the clinician should approach the diagnosis of these organisms, and the challenges ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Johnson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Orth D, Grif K, Fisher I, Fruth A, Tschäpe H, Scheutz F, Dierich MP, Würzner R. Emerging Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Serotypes in Europe: O100:H- and O127:H40. Curr Microbiol 2006; 53:428-9. [PMID: 17066335 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-006-0209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Novel and as yet rare non-O157 Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotypes are emerging in Europe. Two different sorbitol-fermenting STECs, O100:H- carrying the virulence gene stx2 and O127:H40 carrying stx1 and eae genes (found in two related subjects), were isolated from patients' stool samples. Non-O157 STEC infections in humans are currently under-diagnosed. This report highlights the need for, and importance of, screening for Shiga toxins or serotypes other than just O157.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Orth
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University and Austrian Reference Laboratory for EHEC/STEC/VTEC, Schöpfstr. 41, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|