Vibrio cholerae serogroup 0139 in England and Wales.
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Cholera↗
Biomedical subjects
T Cheasty
Publications and source records attributed to T Cheasty.
Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli in a herd of dairy cattle.
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Animals↗
Occurrence of FIme plasmids in multiply antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection.
Plasmids belonging to the FIme incompatibility group were found in seven different serogroups of multiply antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) and living in south-east London. Although widespread in Salmonella spp., FIme plasmids have only previously been described in E. coli in a strain of serogroup O15 K52 H1 responsible for an extensive and protracted outbreak of invasive community-acquired infection in south-east London in 1986. Our findings suggest either a wider background occurrence of FIme plasmids in E. coli associated with UTI than previously reported or alternatively, the dissemination and subsequent molecular diversification of the FIme plasmid associated with the epidemic strain of serogroup O15 K52 H1.
DNA Fingerprinting↗
Phage typing of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O 157 isolated in the United Kingdom: 1989-91.
Between 1989 and 1991 a total of 1092 Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O 157 isolated in the United Kingdom were phage typed in the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP). Twenty-three phage types was identified, the most frequent being types 2 (36.1%), 49 (29.6%), 1 (10.3%) and 4 (8.9%). Although isolations of O 157 VTEC have increased each year from 1 in 1982 to 532 in 1991, the predominant phage types have remained unchanged although the proportion of strains belonging to types 2 and 49 has increased. O 157 VTEC from 17 outbreaks were phage typed during this period with phage type 49 predominating (7 of 17 outbreaks).
Bacterial Toxins↗
Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli, particularly serogroup O 157, associated with human infections in the United Kingdom: 1989-91.
This survey reports the results of investigations performed by the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP), to identify evidence of human infection with Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in the UK during the period 1989-91. Bacterial isolates, faecal specimens and serum samples were received from patients suffering from diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Using serotyping, Vero cytotoxin gene probing and an ELISA for serum antibodies to E. coli O 157, evidence of infection was detected in 232, 428 and 615 individuals in 1989, 1990 and 1991 respectively. Of these individuals, 15% were reported as having HUS. Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli O 157 was the most frequently encountered serogroup, with isolations from a total of 1092 individuals over the 3-year period. The incidence of VTEC infection increased from 0.41/100,000 in 1989 to 1.07/100,000 in 1991. The area with the highest rate of infection in each year was Scotland, increasing from 1.37/100,000 in 1989 to 3.97/100,000 in 1991.
Adolescent↗
A longitudinal study of Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli in cattle calves in Sri Lanka.
Two cohorts of 10 and 16 calves were followed at weekly or fortnightly intervals from 4-28 and 1-9 weeks respectively to determine whether natural infection by Vero cytotoxin (VT) producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) occurred. Ninety-one of 171 (53%) faecal specimens were VTEC positive and 20-80% of animals at any given time excreted VTEC. Of 104 VTEC strains studied further, 6 different serogroups (O 22.H16; O 25.H5; O 49.H-; O 86.H26; O 88.H25; O 153.H12) and an untypable strain (O? .H21) were identified. All strains belonging to the same serotype had identical profiles of reactivity with DNA probes to toxins VT1 or 2, LTI or II and a probe (CVD419) derived from a plasmid carried by enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O 157.H7. Four of these serotypes were found in the faecal flora of the calves, taken as a group, throughout the 4-month study period. Sixty percent of the strains hybridized with the probe for VT1, 4% with the probe for VT2, and 36% with both probes. Faecal VTEC were significantly associated with overt diarrhoeal illness in animals < 10 weeks of age, but no characteristic profile of markers (serotype or hybridization pattern) in E. coli isolates was associated with diarrhoea. A serological response to VT1 was detected in some animals, but faecal VT1 VTEC excretion persisted in spite of seroconversion. VT1 seroconversion was not associated with diarrhoea. A serological response to VT2 was not detected even in those animals excreting VT2 VTEC in the faeces.
Animals↗
Shigellosis due to occupational contact with non-human primates.
A small cluster of dysenteric illness, due to Shigella flexneri, was identified among technical assistants of a primate research unit. All of the affected individuals had been in regular contact with a colony of cynomolgus macaque monkeys, one of which was known to have suffered from acute haemorrhagic colitis in the preceding few weeks. Four monkeys were found to be excreting S. flexneri bacilli of identical antigen type (1b) to that isolated from the human cases. Investigation of working practices revealed the potential for inadvertent faeco-oral spread and the need to improve existing control methods. We conclude that this small outbreak of shigellosis represents a primate-associated occupational zoonosis. The risk may not be fully appreciated by handlers or their doctors.
Animals↗
Examination of raw beef products for the presence of Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli, particularly those of serogroup O157.
Fifty-four of 310 (17%) samples of raw beef products contained Vero cytotoxin (VT)-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) detected by DNA probes for the VT genes. VTEC strains examined in detail from a selection of the positive samples belonged to several O serogroups, some of which have been associated with human diarrhoea or haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Some of the strains possessed properties that may contribute to virulence in man. None of the food samples contained VT-producing E. coli O157 when tested by a combination of VT probe tests and colony immunoblotting with commercially available anti-O157 serum. Quantification of the immunoblotting technique indicated that O157 VTEC could be recovered from artificially-inoculated meat samples at a level of less than one organism per gram. Five of the food samples carried E. coli O157 strains that did not produce VT and differed in other properties from O157 VTEC.
Animals↗
Structure and antigenic properties of Citrobacter freundii lipopolysaccharides.
Citrobacter freundii strain E69366 was detected in a colony immunoassay with a rabbit antiserum prepared to a strain of Escherichia coli belonging to serogroup O157. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was shown to contain the epitope(s) involved in antibody binding. LPS prepared from strain E69366, with hot phenol contained core-LPS that migrated to the water-phase and long-chain LPS that separated into the phenol-phase. A total of 36 strains of Cit. freundii were analysed for their LPS profiles by SDS-PAGE. Sixteen could be allocated into five groups (A(3), B(7), C(2), D(2) and E(2)) based on similarities in LPS profile. The remaining strains either expressed unique SDS-PAGE profiles (18) or did not express long-chain LPS (2). All strains with a profile 'A' reacted with the antiserum prepared to E. coli O157, whereas those with other profiles did not. The two strains of Cit. freundii expressing LPS profiles designated 'E' reacted with an antiserum prepared in rabbits to E. coli O45.
Adult↗
Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O 157 in the United Kingdom.
A total of 226 cultures of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O 157 isolated from humans was received by the PHLS Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens during the six month period January to June 1992. A record monthly total of 122 isolates was received in June. Ten phage types (PT) were identified during this period; PT 2 (45%) and PT 49 (21%) predominated. In addition, 27 human sera with antibodies to E. coli O 157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were examined from other cases during this period, making a total of 253 cases of infection associated with E. coli O 157.
Bacterial Toxins↗
Ability of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains to adhere in vitro to human intestinal mucosa.
A collection of 44 enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC) strains isolated from infants with diarrhea in India and the United Kingdom were examined for their ability to adhere in vitro to human intestinal mucosa and by electron microscopy for production of putative adherence factors. None of the strains adhered to human duodenal mucosa, and six strains tested did not adhere to ileal mucosa; all 44 strains, however, adhered to human colonic mucosa in localized aggregates. Electron microscopy of infected colonic mucosa indicated fimbrially mediated adhesion of the EAggEC strains. Four morphologically distinct kinds of fimbriae, including a new morphological type of E. coli fimbriae consisting of bundles of fine filaments, were identified among the EAggEC strains; this new type of fimbria was observed in 43 of the 44 EAggEC strains. Forty-three of the 44 EAggEC strains were positive with a DNA probe developed to identify EAggEC, and most of the strains belonged to serotypes unrelated to the other major classes of diarrheic E. coli. These results suggest that EAggEC may be a large-bowel pathogen and colonize the colon by a fimbrially mediated adhesion mechanism.
Bacterial Adhesion↗
Strains of Escherichia coli O157:H8 from human diarrhoea belong to attaching and effacing class of E coli.
AIMS: To determine whether 17 Escherichia coli O157:H8 strains isolated from patients with diarrhoea in the United Kingdom were putative pathogens. METHODS: The strains had been isolated by the use of O157 antiserum, available for the detection of Vero cytotoxin (VT) producing strains of E coli O157 that are usually of flagellar (H) type 7, but may also be non-motile. The strains were examined for VT production, for their ability to adhere to HEp-2 cells, and for hybridisation with several DNA probes that recognise pathogenic properties of E coli. Their ability to ferment sorbitol and to produce beta-glucuronidase was also investigated, as these tests are used to discriminate VT positive O157 strains. RESULTS: The O157:H8 strains did not produce VT. All gave localised attachment to HEp-2 cells, associated with a positive fluorescence-actin staining test, and all hybridised with the E coli attaching and effacing (eae) probe. In addition to the difference in VT production, O157:H8 strains could be distinguished from VT positive O157 strains by their beta-glucuronidase activity, their failure to produce enterohaemolysin, and their lack of hybridisation with the CVD419 probe derived from a plasmid in an O157:H7 strain. CONCLUSIONS: The 0157:H8 strains had in vitro properties characteristic of the class of E coli that causes attaching and effacing lesions in epithelial intestinal cells. They may therefore be considered a putative cause of diarrhoea but their prevalence remains to be established. Several O157:H8 strains failed to ferment sorbitol in agar plates and therefore could be misidentified as VT positive O157 strains. Confirmatory tests for VT production are needed when O157 strains are isolated from faeces.
Bacterial Toxins↗
The serological relationship between Yersinia enterocolitica O9 and Escherichia coli O157 using sera from patients with yersiniosis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
Sera from patients with yersiniosis, shown to contain antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica O9; and sera from patients with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157, were used to investigate serological cross-reactions between Y. enterocolitica O9 and E. coli O157. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was isolated from strains of Y. enterocolitica O9 and E. coli O157 and reacted with sera by immunoblotting and ELISA. Sera from patients with HUS contained antibodies to the LPS of E. coli O157 only; 80% of sera from patients with yersiniosis contained antibodies to the LPS of Y. enterocolitica O9 and E. coli O157. This one-way cross-reaction was also detected using hyperimmune rabbit antisera.
Antibodies, Bacterial↗
Surveys of human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from three different geographical areas for possible colonization factors.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) from Burma, central Africa (Rwanda and Zaire) and Peru, were screened by enzyme-linked immunoassays for the colonization factor antigens (CFAs) and putative colonization factors (PCFs): CFA/I, CFA/II, which consists of three coli surface-associated (CS) antigens, CS1, CS2 and CS3, CFA/III, CFA/IV (CS4, CS5, CS6), CS7, PCFO9, PCFO159. H4, PCFO166, and CS17. The highest proportion of ETEC with identifiable colonization factors (71%) were found in the strains from Burma, which were mainly positive for CFA/I (38%), but strains producing CFA/II (4%), CFA/IV (11%), CS7 (10%), CS17 (4%), PCFO159, H4 (2%) and PCFO166 (2%) were also found. Sixty-nine percent of the ETEC from central Africa were positive for known colonization factors. While CFA/I positive strains were important (12%), a higher number of ETEC producing CFA/IV (33%) and CS17 (24%) were found. Fifty-two percent of the Peruvian strains produced identifiable colonization factors. The largest group of strains produced antigens of the CFA/IV complex (17%), while ETEC producing CFA/II (6%), CFA/III and CS6 (2%), CS7 (6%), PCFO9 (6%), PCFO166 (8%) and CS17 (7%) were also found. These surveys show that there is a considerable variation in the proportions and types of colonization factor found in different geographical areas. From 29 to 48% of the ETEC did not possess an identifiable colonization factor. These were particularly of the LT only producing type. These results have important implications for vaccine formulation.
Antigens, Bacterial↗
Identification of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in Britain as enteroaggregative or as members of a subclass of attaching-and-effacing E. coli not hybridising with the EPEC adherence-factor probe.
Strains of Escherichia coli from sporadic cases of diarrhoea and belonging to serotypes O44:H18, O55:H7, O111ab:H21, O111ab:H25 or O126:H27 were examined for virulence properties. With the exception of O111ab:H25 these are considered to be classical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) serotypes. The strains had been isolated in Britain from the faeces of children less than 3 years old. Of the serotypes examined, 7 of 13 O44:H18 strains, all of 10 O111ab:H21 strains and 13 of 21 O126:H27 strains belonged to the enteroaggregative class of E. coli (EAggEC) that attached to HEp-2 cells in the characteristic aggregative pattern and hybridised with the EAggEC probe. They also caused mannose-resistant haemagglutination of rat erythrocytes, a property which may be a useful marker for their identification. Strains of O44:H18 with similar properties were also isolated from three small outbreaks in Britain, one of which involved elderly patients. EAggEC have not been considered previously as aetiological agents of diarrhoea in developed countries and have rarely been reported as belonging to EPEC serotypes. All 15 O55:H7 strains and seven of eight O111ab:H25 strains were also considered to be potentially diarrhoeagenic as they gave localised attachment (LA) to HEp-2 cells that resulted in a positive fluorescence actin-staining test. This test is considered to correlate with the attaching-and-effacing virulence mechanisms of EPEC in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Examination of retail chickens and sausages in Britain for vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli.
Samples from chickens and pork sausages were examined for the presence of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli by using DNA probes for the Vero cytotoxin genes. Hybridization was detected in 25% of the 184 sausage samples, but none of the chickens was positive. No E. coli O157:H7 strains were isolated, and serotyping showed that the Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli strains belonged to eight different O serogroups and that six strains had an unidentifiable O antigen.
Animals↗
Extended serogrouping scheme for motile, mesophilic Aeromonas species.
A total of 1,255 strains of motile, mesophilic Aeromonas species isolated from clinical and environmental specimens in the United Kingdom and 258 strains isolated in Australia, Brazil, Peru, and the United States were examined by using antisera for serogroups O1 to O44 (R. Sakazaki and T. Shimada, Jpn. J. Med. Sci. 37:247-255, 1984) and for unpublished serogroup O45 (R. Sakazaki). The typeability rate for strains isolated in the United Kingdom was 35%; the strains isolated in other countries had typeability rates of between 14 and 43%. A total of 52 provisional new serogroups were identified, and the strains with unidentified O groups were examined by using antisera for these provisional new serogroups. The typeability rate for strains isolated in the United Kingdom was increased to 66% (70% of smooth strains). The typeability rates were 76% for A. hydrophila and 63% for both A. caviae and A. sobria. The 52 antisera for the provisional new serogroups increased the typeability rate for strains isolated outside the United Kingdom to between 43 and 68%. This extended serogrouping scheme would be of value in determining the importance of Aeromonas strains as human intestinal pathogens and in investigating the pathogenic mechanisms that may be involved in the production of diarrheal disease.
Aeromonas↗
Four new provisional serovars of Shigella.
Four bacterial strains are described that possess the biochemical characteristics of Shigella species but do not belong to any of the established Shigella serovars or to any previously described provisional serovar. One strain fermented mannitol, and it is proposed that this be the type strain for a new provisional serovar of Shigella boydii. The remaining strains did not ferment mannitol and belonged to three different serovars. These strains are proposed as type strains for three new provisional serovars of Shigella dysenteriae. All four strains were invasive in a HEp-2 cell tissue culture test, but only one was invasive in the guinea pig eye test and might therefore be expected to cause dysenterylike illness in humans. It is important that the designation of such strains remain provisional until other reference laboratories have had the opportunity to search for additional isolates and the possible pathogenicity of these strains for humans can be further assessed.
Agglutination Tests↗