Sporadic STEC O157 infection: secondary household transmission in Wales.

Abstract

We conducted a study to quantify and characterize household transmission of Shiga toxin (Vero cytotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) following sporadic infection in Wales. Through total population surveillance, we identified 83 index case-patients and their household contacts. We screened fecal samples submitted from household contacts for STEC O157 and calculated the household transmission rate for sporadic STEC O157 infection to be 4% to 15%. Household contacts in groups at high risk (particularly children under 5 years of age) present a risk of spreading the infection in the wider community.

• Authors: S M Parry, R L Salmon
• Journal: Emerging infectious diseases (Emerg Infect Dis) 1998 Oct-Dec Vol. 4 Issue 4 Pg. 657-61 ISSN: 1080-6040 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9866745 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Escherichia coli Infections (epidemiology, transmission)
• Escherichia coli O157
• Family Characteristics
• Humans
• Infant
• Wales (epidemiology)