First In-Depth Look at the E. coli O104:H4 Outbreak in Germany, 2011

As of mid-June, more than 3000 cases had been reported, including 39 fatalities. The outbreak-associated strain produces Shiga toxin and also has enhanced adherence to intestinal epithelial cells.

In May 2011, an outbreak of Escherichia coli O104:H4–associated hemorrhagic diarrhea began in Germany. Now, two research groups provide some details.

Frank and colleagues, in a preliminary report, describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and microbiological features of the outbreak. As of June 18, 2011, 3222 cases had been reported, including 39 fatal cases. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) developed in 810 (25%) of the patients. Among those with HUS, 89% were aged ≥17 years, and only 1% were aged <5 years; 68% were female. The interval from onset of diarrhea to onset of HUS was 5 days for the 79 patients with such data available.

Bielaszewska and colleagues analyzed stool samples from 80 patients (including 67 with hemolytic uremic syndrome [HUS…

Reviewing Authors

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)