Verocytotoxin Escherichia coli-Associated Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome

Aims To describe laboratory data on clinical human Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) strains causing haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and to characterise the VTEC strains, thus contributing to risk mitigation to decrease HUS incidence in Ireland. Methods Laboratory characterisation was performed on isolates from 52 VTEC-associated HUS cases identified in the National clinical VTEC Reference Laboratory (NRL-VTEC) for the years 2012-2014. Data were analysed with respect to age, gender, serogroup and verotoxin type and subtype. Results 52/83 (62.6%) culture positive HUS cases were identified from laboratory data; 30 (57.7%) cases occurred in females. Seven HUS-associated serogroups and eleven patterns of verotoxin subtypes are described. Conclusion Ireland has the highest incidence of VTEC infection in Europe and a variety of VTEC serogroups causing clinical infection, suggesting any viable VTEC may potentially cause HUS. A broad diagnostic approach, to detect uncommon serotypes, should be considered when analysing clinical and food samples for VTEC.