Sporadic Cases of Hemorrhagic Colitis Associated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
After 2 outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis associated with a previously unrecognized pathogen, E. coli 0157:H7, a surveillance system was established to identify and study sporadic cases of this distinct clinical illness in the USA. Between August 1982-April 1984, 28 persons were identified from 11 states who met case definitions and whose stool specimens yielded E. coli 0157:H7. Patients ranged in age from 1-80 yr. Patients (17) required hospitalization. All patients recovered, although 1 developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome 7 days after the onset of bloody diarrhea. Detection of E. coli 0157:H7 in stools from persons with hemorrhagic colitis was highly associated with collection of stool specimens within the first 6 days after onset of illness. All E. coli 0157:H7 isolates produced a Vero cytotoxin. Hemorrhagic colitis caused by E. coli 0157:H7 is widely distributed in the USA as a sporadic illness; clinicians should be aware of its distinctive clinical presentation, and should collect specimens promptly when the diagnosis is suspected.