title: Sporadic STEC O157 infection: secondary household transmission in Wales.
abstract: We conducted a study to quantify and characterize household transmission of Shiga toxin (Vero cytotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) following sporadic infection in Wales. Through total population surveillance, we identified 83 index case-patients and their household contacts. We screened fecal samples submitted from household contacts for STEC O157 and calculated the household transmission rate for sporadic STEC O157 infection to be 4% to 15%. Household contacts in groups at high risk (particularly children under 5 years of age) present a risk of spreading the infection in the wider community.
authors.affiliation: Welsh Combined Centers for Public Health, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Salmon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D019453:Escherichia coli O157; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology