Epidemiological investigation of recurrent outbreaks of haemolytic uraemic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliserotype O55:H7 in England, 2014–2018

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821000844
• Publication Date: 2021-04-19T05:05:32Z
• Authors: C. Sawyer; B. Vishram; C. Jenkins; F. Jorgensen; L. Byrne; A. F. W. Mikhail; T. J. Dallman; K. Carroll; L. Ahyow; Q. Vahora; G. Godbole; S. Balasegaram
• Keywords: Shiga-like toxin

Abstract Recurrent outbreaks of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotype O55:H7 occurred in England between 2014 and 2018. We reviewed the epidemiological evidence to identify potential source(s) transmission routes pathogen, assess on-going risk public health. Over 5-year period, there were 43 confirmed three probable cases STEC O55:H7. The median age was 4 years old (range 6 months 69 old) over half all female (28/46, 61%). There 36/46 (78.3%) symptomatic cases, developed HUS (25/46, 54%), including two fatal cases. No common food or environmental exposures identified, although majority lived rural semi-rural environments reported contact with both wild domestic animals. This investigation informed policy on clinical health management other than O157:H7 (non-O157 STEC) England, comprehensive testing household contacts pets more widespread use polymerase chain reaction assays for rapid diagnosis STEC-HUS.