E. Coli 0157:h7 ‐current Concepts and Future Prospects

The list of food‐borne pathogens now includes Escherichia coli serotype 0157:H7. This previously rare E. coli serotype was first recognized in 1982 as the causative agent of outbreaks of a bloody diarrheal syndrome known as hemorrhagic colitis. Since then, infection with this organism has been described throughout North and South America and western Europe, in healthy persons and those with chronic diseases, and in all age groups. Transmission appears to be largely food‐borne through foods of animal origin; person to person transmission has occurred. The hemolytic uremic syndrome occurs as a complication in approximately 10% of infected persons and may result in chronic renal failure and death. Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 appears to be increasing and strategies for prevention of disease are urgently needed for this important public health pathogen .