Serological detection of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli in patients with haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Western Europe

Sera from 45 patients from The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium who had a clinical diagnosis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were screened for antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli producing Verocytotoxin (VTEC). Sera from 43 family contacts and 34 control patients were also examined. Using the techniques of EIA and immunoblotting, antibodies to the LPS of Escherichia coli O157 were found in 28 patients, and to the LPS of serogroups O115 and O145 in one patient and one family member respectively. The results of our study suggest that VTEC, and in particular Escherichia coli O157, might be a significant cause of HUS in Western Europe.