Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control98667412640265Research ArticleHuman infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli other than serogroup O157 in Germany.BeutinL.BeutinL@rki.deZimmermannS.GleierK.Robert Koch-Institut, Abt. Mikrobiologie, Berlin, Germany.Oct-Dec199844635639

We investigated different types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) not belonging to serogroup O157 for their role as human pathogens. Non-O157 STEC isolated from 89 human patients in Germany were characterized according to serotypes, virulence markers, and association with human illness. EaeA-positive STEC were isolated from 54 (60.7%) of the patients and were frequently associated with severe diarrheal disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and young age. EaeA-negative STEC were found in 35 (39.3%) of the patients and were more associated with clinically uncomplicated cases and adult patients. For pediatric patients, a serotype-independent diagnosis of STEC is recommended.