Communitywide Outbreak of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Associated with Non-O157 Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli

Authors:
  • ILIda Luzzi
    Ida Luzzi
  • FRFrancesco Rosmini
    Francesco Rosmini
  • CRCarlo Resti
    Carlo Resti
  • AEAlberto Edefonti
    Alberto Edefonti
  • FPFrancesco Perfumo
    Francesco Perfumo
  • AGAntonio Goglio
    Antonio Goglio
  • AGAlessandra Gianviti
    Alessandra Gianviti
  • GRGianfranco Rizzoni
    Gianfranco Rizzoni
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Abstract
From 20 April through 13 May 1992, 9 children were hospitalized with hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Lombardia, Italy, where only 14 cases ofthis syndrome had occurred in the preceding 4 years. Cases were scattered in a large area encompassing five provinces, and the source of the outbreak was not identified. Eight patients needed dialysis, and there was 1 death. Seven of the 9 cases were examined for evidence of infection by Vero cytotoxin (VT)-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). Six children had serum antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide of E. coli O111, and a VT-producing E. coli O111 :NM was isolated from stool in 1case. This is the first outbreak of VTEC infection recognized in Italy and the first associated with an E. coli serotype other than O157:H7.