An outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 colitis associated with consumption of precooked meat patties

Article Abstract:

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is a bacteria that is known to cause hemorrhagic colitis (inflammation and bleeding in the colon or large intestine) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS, kidney failure and destruction of red blood cells). Outbreaks of infection have been reported. The infection can be transmitted from person to person as well as in food; ground beef has been cited as the vehicle of transmission in several cases. E. Coli 0157:H7 has been found in the milk and feces of apparently healthy cattle. An outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis occurred in a Minnesota junior high school in the fall of 1988. Thirty-two of the 1,562 students attending the school became ill with symptoms of bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Four children required hospitalization, but none of them developed HUS. The children who became ill were more likely to have eaten heat-processed meat patties in the school cafeteria. Samples of similar meat patties were obtained from the company that made and sold the patties. The samples were tested for and were found to contain E. coli 0157:H7. The manufacturer should have made sure that the patties were thoroughly cooked to destroy bacteria before they were frozen and sold. These findings suggest that heat-processed meat patties can contain E. coli 0157:H7, and that consumption of this food may result in hemorrhagic colitis. At the present time, there are no state or federal regulations to ensure the safety of meat patties. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Disease transmission, Foodborne diseases, Contamination, Colitis, Precooked meat

---

Surveillance for Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections in Minnesota by molecular subtyping

Article Abstract:

Molecular subtyping of Escherichia (E.) coli O157:H7 can identify specific outbreaks of the infection, which can save resources in the long run. In Minnesota, all E. coli O157:H7 isolates must be sent to the state health department. Researchers at the department used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify specific isolates. A total of 143 distinct subtypes were identified and linked to 317 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection. This technique identified four outbreaks that would have gone unnoticed. On the other hand, the researchers found that 8 of 11 presumed outbreaks were not outbreaks at all but sporadic cases.

Methods, Analysis, Demographic aspects, Molecular microbiology

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: An investigation of the cause of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with tryptophan use. Absence of HIV infection in blood donors with indeterminate Western blot tests for antibody to HIV-1
• Abstracts: A case of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with use of an L-tryptophan product. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pulmonary vasculitis with eosinophilia in a patient taking an L-tryptophan preparation
• Abstracts: Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with exposure to tryptophan from a single manufacturer. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with ingestion of L-tryptophan - United States, through August 24, 1990
• Abstracts: Antenatal microbiologic and maternal risk factors associated with prematurity. part 2 Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy
• Abstracts: Estimation of the risk of thrombocytopenia in the offspring of pregnant women with presumed immune thrombocytopenic purpura

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.