Case report of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in central Taiwan, 2022

DOI: 10.6524/TEB.202412_40(24).0002

Chih-Kai Chang^*, Kung-Ching Wang, Du-Ling Lin, Shao-Hui Tsai, Ching-Fen Ko, Jhy-Wen Wu

2024 Vol.40 NO.24

Correspondence Author： Chih-Kai Chang^*

Abstract：

        In August 2022, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control received reports of two cases of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections, involving two females aged 9 (case 1) and 2 years (case 2). Laboratory tests identified EHEC O157:H7 and O157:NM strains, respectively. EHEC infections are commonly associated with beef consumption. Case 1 had a history of consuming beef products, implicating beef as a potential source of infection, but case 2 had not eaten any beef products. Stool tests for family members and contacts of the two cases were negative, indicating that the disease did not spread. Identification of EHEC using traditional methods is time-consuming. We recommended that hospitals use multiplex PCR to assist in the diagnosis of EHEC infection to provide patients with appropriate treatment as early as possible. Improperly prepared beef is the main source of EHEC. E. coli can be killed by heating at 75°C for more than 1 minute. It is recommended to cook beef thoroughly to reduce the risk of EHEC infection.