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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Lessons learned from a textbook outbreak: EHEC-O157:H7 infections associated with the consumption of raw meat products, June 2012, Limburg, Belgium

Authors: Toon Braeye, Sarah Denayer, Klara De Rauw, Anmarie Forier, Jurgen Verluyten, Ludo Fourie, Katelijne Dierick, Nadine Botteldoorn, Sophie Quoilin, Pascale Cosse, Jeannine Noyen, Denis Pierard

Published in: Archives of Public Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

On 5 June 2012 several enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, EHEC, O157:H7 infections were reported to the public health authorities of Limburg.

Methods

We performed a case-control study, a trace back/forward investigation and compared strains isolated from human cases and food samples. A case was defined as anyone with a laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157:H7-infection in North-East Limburg from May 30 2012 till July 15 2012. Family members with bloody diarrhea were also included as cases. E. coli O157 was isolated by culture and the presence of the virulence genes was verified using (q)PCR. Isolates were genotyped and compared by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and insertion sequence 629-printing (IS629-printing).

Results

The outbreak involved 24 cases, of which 17 were laboratory-confirmed. Five cases developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and fifteen were hospitalized. Cases reported a significantly higher consumption of “steak tartare”, a raw meat product (OR 48.12; 95% CI; 5.62- 416.01). Cases were also more likely to buy meat-products at certain butcheries (OR 11.67; 95% CI; 1.41 - 96.49). PFGE and IS629-printing demonstrated that the vtx1a vtx2a eae ehxA positive EHEC O157:H7 strains isolated from three meat products and all seventeen human stool samples were identical. In a slaughterhouse, identified by the trace-back investigation, a carcass infected with a different EHEC strain was found and confiscated.

Conclusion

We present a well described and effectively investigated foodborne outbreak associated with meat products. Our main recommendations are the facilitation and acceleration of the outbreak detection and the development of a communication plan to reaches all persons at risk.

MESH

Foodborne diseases, Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Meat products, Case control studies, Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field

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Title: Lessons learned from a textbook outbreak: EHEC-O157:H7 infections associated with the consumption of raw meat products, June 2012, Limburg, Belgium
Authors: Toon Braeye
Sarah Denayer
Klara De Rauw
Anmarie Forier
Jurgen Verluyten
Ludo Fourie
Katelijne Dierick
Nadine Botteldoorn
Sophie Quoilin
Pascale Cosse
Jeannine Noyen
Denis Pierard
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Archives of Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3258
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3258-72-44

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lessons learned from a textbook outbreak: EHEC-O157:H7 infections associated with the consumption of raw meat products, June 2012, Limburg, Belgium

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

MESH

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

MESH

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