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- Title
Factors contributing to the emergence of Escherichia coli O157 in Africa.
- Authors
Effler, E; Isaäcson, M; Arntzen, L; Heenan, R; Canter, P; Barrett, T; Lee, L; Mambo, C; Levine, W; Zaidi, A; Griffin, P M
- Abstract
In 1992, a large outbreak of bloody diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli O157 infections occurred in southern Africa. In Swaziland, 40,912 physician visits for diarrhea in persons ages >5 years were reported during October through November 1992. This was a sevenfold increase over the same period during 1990-91. The attack rate was 42% among 778 residents we surveyed. Female gender and consuming beef and untreated water were significant risks for illness. E. coli O157:NM was recovered from seven affected foci in Swaziland and South Africa; 27 of 31 patient and environmental isolates had indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. Compared with previous years, a fivefold increase in cattle deaths occurred in October 1992. The first heavy rains fell that same month (36 mm), following 3 months of drought. Drought, carriage of E. coli O157 by cattle, and heavy rains with contamination of surface water appear to be important factors contributing to this outbreak.
- Publication
Emerging infectious diseases, 2001, Vol 7, Issue 5, p812
- ISSN
1080-6040
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.3201/eid0705.017507