STEC transmission case-control study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A case-control study to investigate transmission routes for sporadic STEC infections in England
IRAS ID
207271
Contact name
Paul Hunter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
Shiga-toxin E. coli (STEC) are a public health concern for several reasons. One is the low infectious dose, only 10 to 100 bacteria, that is required for infection. Another is the severity of the infection and associated complications. Data from UK surveillance suggests nearly 30% of cases require hospitalisation during illness, and about 6% of cases will progress to haemolytic uremic syndrome, characterised by acute kidney failure. A wide-variety of sources have been identified for STEC infections, ranging from contaminated food and water, direct contact with animals, or indirect contact with manure. In order to reduce the number of STEC infections, it is first necessary to identify the most common sources. The last case-control study performed in England was in 2001; since that time detection methods and surveillance have improved so more cases representing a wider variety of possible STEC strains are being recorded. An updated case-control study is needed to identify the current most common sources of infection.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0527
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion