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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome associated with interfamilial spread of E. coli O26:H11

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2005

G. SAYERS
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive Eastern Region, Dublin
T. McCARTHY
Affiliation:
Communicable Disease Unit, Health Service Executive Northern Area, Dublin
M. O'CONNELL
Affiliation:
Community Care Area 5, Health Service Executive South Western Area, Dublin
M. O'LEARY
Affiliation:
Community Care Area 5, Health Service Executive South Western Area, Dublin
D. O'BRIEN
Affiliation:
Environmental Health Services, Health Service Executive South Western Area, Dublin
M. CAFFERKEY
Affiliation:
Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin
E. McNAMARA
Affiliation:
Regional Public Health Laboratory, Health Service Executive South Western Area, Dublin
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Abstract

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In September 2000, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) was diagnosed in a 10-month-old child with a prodromal history of vomiting and diarrhoea (non-bloody). Investigation revealed that a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness (mean duration 48 h) had occurred among immediate and extended family in the 2 weeks prior to the child's admission. The epidemiology of the illness suggested person-to-person spread. Five children (close family contacts) had E. coli O26 verocytotoxin (VT1 and VT2) isolated from stools. Stool culture and serology from the index case were negative for shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) organisms. Control measures in accordance with the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), verocytotoxogenic organisms (VTEC) guidelines were applied to prevent further spread among the extended family and contacts. Despite detailed food and environmental exposure histories, the source of the illness was not identified. This incident highlights the importance of investigation of cases of post-diarrhoeal HUS, for potential shiga toxin E. coli aetiology.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2005 Cambridge University Press