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Waterborne Escherichia coli O157.
R M Chalmers1, H Aird, F J Bolton
1Public Health Laboratory Service, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Wales), Cardiff, UK.
Symposium Series (Society for Applied Microbiology)
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Waterborne outbreaks of Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) O157 infections occur, with contaminated recreational and private water supplies implicated. Epidemiological data is crucial for confirming VTEC O157 waterborne transmission.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) O157 infections can be transmitted through water.
- Waterborne VTEC O157 has been identified in sporadic cases and outbreaks since 1985.
- Recreational waters, private, and municipal supplies have been implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence for waterborne VTEC O157 infection.
- To review microbiological, environmental, and epidemiological data.
- To discuss risk factors and sources of contamination.
Main Methods:
- Review of microbiological, environmental, and epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of case data and outbreak investigations.
- Consideration of a farm worker cohort study on private water supply exposure.
Main Results:
- Waterborne VTEC O157 transmission is confirmed through various water sources.
- Animal and human feces/sewage are identified as contamination sources.
- Low organism numbers challenge microbiological confirmation, highlighting the importance of epidemiology.
Conclusions:
- Waterborne VTEC O157 infection is a recognized public health concern.
- Despite challenges, epidemiological evidence is vital for VTEC O157 outbreak investigations.
- Water treatment processes generally mitigate the risk of VTEC O157 waterborne infections.