The epidemiology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections in the South East of England: November 2013–March 2017 and significance for clinical and public health

Abstract

HUSEC including serogroup O157 were uncommon and more likely to cause bloody diarrhoea than other STEC. The routine use of stx PCR testing can influence clinical management. Understanding the local epidemiology facilitates a proportionate public health response to STEC, based on clinical and microbiological characteristics including stx subtype(s).