E. coli from Bambi?

Although E. coli O157:H7–related diarrhea is often associated with cattle, a recent outbreak in Missouri was traced to deer sausage.

Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 is a major cause of outbreak-associated diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Outbreaks are frequently traced to cattle whose feces contaminate beef for the commercial market or other foods. However, other animals can also serve as vehicles for E. coli O157:H7 infection in humans.

Researchers recently investigated an outbreak involving five people in St. Louis. The index case was a 3-year-old girl with HUS preceded by several days of diarrhea. Her stool cultures did not reveal E. coli O157:H7. However, the day after she was admitted to the hospital, her 6-year-old sister, her father, and a 9-year-old neighbor each presented with E. coli O157:H7–associated diarrhea. None of them …

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease