Guidelines for the control of infection with Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). Subcommittee of the PHLS Advisory Committee on Gastrointestinal Infections.

Increasing numbers of cases of Vero cytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 infection, well published incidents, and new scientific evidence make it appropriate to produce new guidelines for their control. This document reviews the clinical and epidemiological features of VTEC O157 infection, describes the principles of microbiological investigation and laboratory safety, and presents recommendations for the prevention of spread of VTEC) O157. The recommendations consider direct spread of infection from animals, foodborne spread, the institutions in which spread is more likely to occur (nursing homes, schools, and children's day nurseries), and groups at particular risk of acquiring and transmitting infection (in essence, food handlers, and those unable to maintain high standards of hygiene for themselves and their carers).