Serotyping of non-O157 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli isolates during 1997-1999 in Japan
(IASR 2000; 21: 94-94)

Following are serotype trends of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) other than serotype O157, which were sent to NIID during 1997 to 1999 for investigation of food poisoning. These isolates were classified by agglutination method using sera of the international standard strains (O1-173, H1-58). Total number of received isolates other than EHEC O157 are 1,128 including 236 (1997), 341 (1998), and 551 (1999). Results of serotype and Shiga-like toxin (ST) production are summarized in table. Number of serotype has been increasing; 33 (1997), 25 (1998), and 45 (1999). Among them, O26:H11, O26:H- and O111:H- are frequently isolated, other serotypes could not be compared trends because number of isolates were too small. However we estimate that O103:H2, O121:H19, and O145:H- will be continuously detected in future. It is noteworthy that majority of non-O157 isolates are not identifiable by commercial diagnostic sera.

Trends of non-O157 EHEC are not well understood in Japan, thus further monitoring should be continued. We appreciate to forward any EHEC isolates, which are not identified with commercial kit.

Reported by Kazumichi Tamura, Sunao Iyoda, and Haruo Watanabe, Dept. of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases

Correspondence: Kazumichi Tamura;
E-mail: kazutamu@nih.go.jp

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