Risk Factors for Shiga Toxin-ProducingEscherichia coli-Associated Human Diseases

Abstract

We have reviewed the risk factors for the occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-associated human diseases. The analysis of STEC surveillance data and trends shows differences in frequency and severity of the illnesses across countries, whereas the economic and social costs for the affected families, the community, and the health system are better estimated in developed countries. The occurrence of STEC infections is determined by the interaction of the pathogen, the reservoirs, and the biological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of the host. The main risk factors identified in earlier case-control and population-based studies were dietary behaviors and beef consumption. However, in recent years, other risky exposures have also emerged, like the consumption of raw vegetables and sprouts, working or camping in rural areas, visiting farms, and person-to-person transmission. Epidemiological changes have also been determined by the intensification of cattle production, the increase in centralized food production and distribution, and the growth in the volume of international trade of foods. The main lessons learned from recent large outbreaks are knowledge of virulence determinants of new pathogenic strains, recognition of new vehicles of infection, development of new methodologies for detecting STEC in foods and humans, improvement in food regulations and hygiene guidelines, new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of infected patients, establishment of continuous educational programs for food consumers, and enhanced cooperation and teamwork of regional and international networks.

Determination of Enterohemorrhagic <i>Escherichia coli</i> Serotype O165:HNM Infection in a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Patient with Adenovirus Seroype 41

“…Almost all diarrhea-associated HUS cases in children are due to EHEC infections (31). In the present case, we successfully isolated EHEC O165 from a stool sample of an HUS patient.…”

Prevalencia y evolución clínica del síndrome urémico hemolítico típico entre hermanos

“…3 Los factores de riesgo que se han vinculado al desarrollo del SUH típico son comer carne fuera del domicilio, comer carne mal cocida, vivir en un lugar con animales de granja o visitarlo y el contacto con niños menores de 5 años de edad con diarrea. 4 El reservorio de STEC es el ganado vacuno, y la contaminación fecal de los alimentos y agua potable por el ganado es, a menudo, la fuente de la enfermedad en nuestro país.…”

“…4 El reservorio de STEC es el ganado vacuno, y la contaminación fecal de los alimentos y agua potable por el ganado es, a menudo, la fuente de la enfermedad en nuestro país.…”

Isolation and characterization of Escherichia coliO157:H7 from ground beef cattle in Lima-Peru

“…Bajo el nombre de Escherichia coli shigatoxigénica (STEC) se conoce a un grupo de bacterias asociadas a enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos y reportadas tanto en países desarrollados como en vías de desarrollo (Frenzen et al 2005, Rivas 2008 Rev. peru.…”