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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #179290
Title: SHIGA-TOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI (STEC) O157:H7 INFECTIONS AMONG LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS AT A TEXAS COUNTY FAIR

Author
item Durso, Lisa
item REYNOLDS, KAYE - FBCHHS, ROSENBERG, TX
item BAUER, JR., NATE - USDA, FSIS
item Keen, James

Submitted to: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/8/2005
Publication Date: 7/1/2005
Citation: Durso, L.M., Reynolds, K., Bauer, Jr., N., Keen, J.E. 2005. Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 infections among livestock exhibitors and visitors at a Texas county fair. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 5:193-201.

Interpretive Summary: We report an agricultural fair-associated shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) outbreak that was unusual in that it affected both livestock exhibitors and visitors. Twenty-five cases of STEC O157 infection were detected after the Fort Bend County Fair in Rosenberg, Texas, which ran from 9/26/03 to 10/04/03. Seven cases were culture-confirmed. There were four cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and one of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Cases ranged in age from 18 months to 67 years. Twenty-two (88%) cases were female. Analysis of unmatched case-control data linked STEC O157 infection with visiting fair livestock exhibit areas and with multiple fair visits. All outbreak-related isolates were of a single STEC O157 subtype. Multiple STEC O157 subtypes were found in the fair environment, including the outbreak subtype. Livestock exhibitors and fair visitors should follow guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission of STEC O157 at agricultural fairs.

Technical Abstract: We report an agricultural fair-associated shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) outbreak that was unusual in that it affected both livestock exhibitors and visitors. Twenty-five cases of STEC O157 infection were detected after the Fort Bend County Fair in Rosenberg, Texas, which ran from 9/26/03 to 10/04/03. Seven cases were culture-confirmed. There were four cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and one of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Cases ranged in age from 18 months to 67 years. Twenty-two (88%) cases were female. Analysis of unmatched case-control data linked STEC O157 infection with visiting fair livestock exhibit areas and with multiple fair visits. All outbreak-related isolates were of a single STEC O157 subtype. Multiple STEC O157 subtypes were found in the fair environment, including the outbreak subtype. Livestock exhibitors and fair visitors should follow guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission of STEC O157 at agricultural fairs.