A Cluster of cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome in North Queensland associated with a novel Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2005.29.17Keywords:
haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Escherichia coli, Shiga-like toxinAbstract
The Tropical Public Health Unit (TPHU) in Townsville was alerted on 16 March 2004 to the possibility of a cluster of cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). The public health responses comprised epidemiological and environmental investigations. The implications of the delay in notification of the previous case (hereafter referred to as the first case) on these investigations are discussed. In addition, this report describes the organism causing the HUS as a type of Escherichia coli not previously known to elaborate Shiga-like toxin (SLT) in human populations.
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