Α. Chatzopoulos

There is clear evidence today that verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) and, in particular, serotype O157:H7 are associated with a range of human illnesses. These include haemorrhagic colitis, haemolytic uraemic syndrom in children and thrombotic htrombocytopenic purpura in adults. Outbreak investigation of VTEC infections indicate that the major vehicle is foodstuffs, and especially those based on meat of bovene origin and raw cow's milk. Person-to-person spread may occur via the faecal-oral route. The infectious dose is low and illness may occur following the ingestion of as few as 40 bacteria. This paper reviews scientific knowledge on the microbiology, pathogenicity and clinical characteristics of VTEC infections, as well as on the epidemiology and methods of detection and typing for these organisms. In view of the above, public health measures to control VTEC infections in the community are suggested.