The occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in humans and animals

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause haemorrhagic colitis and the diarrhoea-associated form of the haemolytic-uraemic syndrom e in humans. The main cause of STEC infections in humans is the consumption of contaminated food. Both sporadic cases and outbreaks of STEC infections are mainly associated with the consumption of undercooked (minced) beef (m ainly hamburgers) and unpasteurized milk. Therefore cattle are regarded as the primary reservoir of STEC. In this article the occurrence of STEC infec tions in human and the occurrence of STEC in food and food-producing animal s in the Netherlands are discussed, followed by a brief discussion of possi ble ways to prevent STEC infections in humans.