Human infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli other than serogroup O157 in Germany

We investigated different types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli ( STEC) not belonging to serogroup O157 for their role as human pathogens. No n-O157 STEC isolated from 89 human patients in Germany were characterized a ccording to serotypes, virulence markers, and association with human illnes s. EaeA-positive STEC were isolated from 54 (60.7%) of the patients and wer e frequently associated with severe diarrheal disease, hemolytic uremic syn drome, and young age. EaeA-negative STEC were found in 35 (39.3%) of the pa tients and were more associated with clinically uncomplicated cases and adu lt patients. For pediatric patients, a serotype-independent diagnosis of ST EC is recommended.