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[Hemolytic-uremic syndrome--microbiological study]
H Lhotová1, M Bielaszewská, E Kopalová
1Institut hygieny a epidemiologie, Praha.
Ceskoslovenska Epidemiologie, Mikrobiologie, Imunologie
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Severe diarrhea in children was linked to verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). Investigations identified specific VTEC serotypes, including O157:H7, as the likely cause of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 1988 outbreak in North Bohemia affected young children with severe diarrhea.
- The clinical condition necessitated hospitalization for suspected haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for the HUS outbreak in children.
- To characterize the identified bacterial strains, including verotoxin production and antibiotic sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Biotyping and serotyping of Escherichia coli strains isolated from affected children.
- Assessment of verotoxin levels in the identified strains.
- Testing the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated E. coli.
Main Results:
- Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) strains were detected as the probable cause.
- Specific VTEC serotypes identified included O26:H11, O26:H?, O157:H7, O5:H-, and O1:H?.
- Antibiotic sensitivity profiles of the VTEC strains were determined.
Conclusions:
- VTEC, particularly serotypes like O157:H7, were identified as the likely cause of the pediatric HUS outbreak.
- Understanding the characteristics of these VTEC strains is crucial for managing future outbreaks.