Treatment of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (O157) diarrhea with antimicrobials might alter the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). However, full characterization of which antimicrobials might affect risk is lacking, particularly among adults. To inform clinical management, we conducted a case-control study of residents of the FoodNet surveillance areas with O157 diarrhea during a 4-year period to assess antimicrobial class-specific associations with HUS among persons with O157 diarrhea. We collected data from medical records and patient interviews. We measured associations between treatment with agents in specific antimicrobial classes during the first week of diarrhea and development of HUS, adjusting for age and illness severity. We enrolled 1308 patients; 102 (7.8%) developed confirmed HUS. Antimicrobial treatment varied by age: <5 years (12.6%), 5-14 (11.5%), 15-39 (45.4%), ≥40 (53.4%). Persons treated with a β-lactam had higher odds of developing HUS (OR 2.80, CI 1.14-6.89). None of the few persons treated with a macrolide developed HUS, but the protective association was not statistically significant. Exposure to "any antimicrobial" was not associated with increased odds of HUS. Our findings confirm the risk of β-lactams among children with O157 diarrhea and extends it to adults. We observed a high frequency of inappropriate antimicrobial treatment among adults. Our data suggest that antimicrobial classes differ in the magnitude of risk for persons with O157 diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Candidemia is a common opportunistic infection causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Because of an increasing proportion of non-albicans Candida species and rising antifungal drug resistance, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) changed treatment guidelines in 2016 to recommend echinocandins over fluconazole as first-line treatment for adults with candidemia. We describe candidemia treatment practices and adherence to the updated guidelines. METHODS: During 2017-2018, the Emerging Infections Program conducted active population-based candidemia surveillance at nine U.S. sites using a standardized case definition. We assessed factors associated with initial antifungal treatment for the first candidemia case among adults using multivariable logistic regression models. To identify instances of potentially inappropriate treatment, we compared the first antifungal drug received with species and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) results from initial blood cultures. RESULTS: Among 1,835 patients who received antifungal treatment, 1,258 (68.6%) received an echinocandin and 543 (29.6%) received fluconazole as initial treatment. Cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-3.29) was the only underlying medical condition significantly associated with initial receipt of an echinocandin (versus fluconazole). Over half (n = 304, 56.0%) of patients initially treated with fluconazole grew a non-albicans species. Among 265 patients initially treated with fluconazole and with fluconazole AFST results, 28 (10.6%) had a fluconazole-resistant isolate. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of patients with candidemia were initially treated with fluconazole, resulting in potentially inappropriate treatment for those involving non-albicans or fluconazole-resistant species. Reasons for non-adherence to IDSA guidelines should be evaluated, and clinician education is needed.

BACKGROUND: Candidemia is a common healthcare-associated bloodstream infection with high morbidity and mortality. There are no current estimates of candidemia burden in the United States. METHODS: In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted active population-based surveillance for candidemia through the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) in 45 counties in nine states encompassing ~17 million persons (5% of the national population). Laboratories serving the catchment area population reported all blood cultures with Candida, and a standard case definition was applied to identify cases that occurred in surveillance area residents. Burden of cases and mortality was estimated by extrapolating surveillance area cases to national numbers using 2017 national census data. RESULTS: We identified 1,226 candidemia cases across nine surveillance sites in 2017. Based on this, we estimated 22,660 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20,210-25,110) cases of candidemia occurred in the United States in 2017. Overall estimated incidence was 7.0 cases per 100,000 persons, with highest rates in adults >/=65 years (20.1/100,000), males (7.9/100,000), and those of black race (12.3/100,000). An estimated 3,380 (95% CI: 1,318-5,442) deaths occurred within seven days of a positive Candida blood culture and 5,628 (95% CI: 2,465-8,791) deaths occurred during the hospitalization with candidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis highlights the substantial burden of candidemia in the U.S. Because candidemia is only one form of invasive candidiasis, the true burden of invasive infections due to Candida is higher. Ongoing surveillance can support future burden estimates and help assess the impact of prevention interventions.

Characteristics of vaccine-associated rash illness (VARI) and confirmed measles cases were compared during a measles outbreak. Although some clinical differences were noted, having a measles exposure and identification of the vaccine strain were helpful for public health decision-making. Rapid, vaccine strain-specific diagnostic assays will more efficiently distinguish VARI from measles.

BACKGROUND: Injection drug use (IDU) is a known, but infrequent risk factor on candidemia, however, the opioid epidemic and increases in IDU may be changing the epidemiology of candidemia. METHODS: Active population-based surveillance for candidemia was conducted in selected US counties. Cases of candidemia were categorized as IDU cases if IDU was indicated in the medical records in the 12 months prior to the date of initial culture. RESULTS: During 2017, 1191 candidemia cases were identified in patients over the age of 12 years (incidence: 6.9 per 100,000 population); 128 (10.7%) had IDU history and this proportion was especially high (34.6%) in patients with candidemia aged 19-44 years. Candidemia patients with IDU history were younger than those without (median age: 35 vs 63 years, p<0.001). Candidemia cases involving recent IDU were less likely to have typical risk factors including malignancy (7.0% vs 29.4%, Relative Risk (RR): 0.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.1-0.5), abdominal surgery (3.9% vs 17.5%, RR: 0.2, CI: 0.09-0.5), and total parenteral nutrition (3.9% vs 22.5%, RR: 0.2, CI: 0.07-0.4). Candidemia cases with IDU occurred more commonly in smokers (68.8% vs 18.5%, RR: 3.7, CI: 3.1-4.4), those with hepatitis C (54.7% vs 6.4%, RR: 8.5, CI: 6.5-11.3), and in people who were homeless (13.3% vs 0.8%, RR: 15.7; CI: 7.1-34.5). CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider screening for candidemia in people who inject drugs and IDU in patients with candidemia who lack typical candidemia risk factors, especially in those with who are 19-44 years, and have community-associated candidemia.

We conducted a cohort study to identify characteristics associated with testing for, and testing positive for, coccidioidomycosis among patients with community-acquired pneumonia in southern California, USA. Limited and delayed testing probably leads to underdiagnosis among non-Hispanic black, Filipino, or Hispanic patients and among high-risk groups, including persons in whom antimicrobial drug therapy has failed.

Background: Botulism is classically described as a bilateral, symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis in an afebrile and alert patient without sensory findings. We describe the reported spectrum of clinical findings among persons >12 months of age in the United States during 2002-2015. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collects clinical findings reported by physicians treating suspected cases of botulism nationwide. We analyzed symptoms and signs, and neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results. A case was defined as illness compatible with botulism with laboratory confirmation or epidemiologic link to a confirmed case, and presence or absence of at least 1 sign or symptom recorded. Physicians' differential diagnoses were evaluated. Results: Clinical information was evaluated for 332 botulism cases; data quality and completeness were variable. Most had no fever (99%), descending paralysis (93%), no mental status change (91%), at least 1 ocular weakness finding (84%), and neuroimaging without acute changes (82%). Some had paresthesias (17%), elevated CSF protein level (13%), and other features sometimes considered indicative of alternative diagnoses. Five of 71 (7%) cases with sufficient information were reported to have atypical findings (eg, at least 1 cranial nerve finding that was unilateral or ascending paralysis). Illnesses on the physician differential included Guillain-Barre syndrome (99 cases) and myasthenia gravis (76 cases) and, rarely, gastrointestinal-related illness (5 cases), multiple sclerosis (3 cases), sepsis (3 cases), and Lyme disease (2 cases). Conclusions: Our analysis illustrates that classic symptoms and signs were common among patients with botulism but that features considered atypical were reported by some physicians. Diagnosis can be challenging, as illustrated by the broad range of illnesses on physician differentials.

Infections caused by pan-azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains have emerged in Europe and recently in the United States. Physicians specializing in infectious diseases reported observing pan-azole-resistant infections and low rates of susceptibility testing, suggesting the need for wider-scale testing.

Background: Botulism is a rare, life-threatening paralytic illness. Equine-derived heptavalent botulinum antitoxin (HBAT), the only currently available treatment for noninfant botulism in the United States, was licensed in 2013. No reports have systematically examined safety and clinical benefit of HBAT among botulism patients. Methods: From March 2010 through March 2013, we collected data prospectively and through medical record reviews of patients with confirmed or suspected botulism who were treated with HBAT under an expanded-access Investigational New Drug program. Results: Among 249 HBAT-treated patients, 1 (<1%) child experienced an HBAT-related serious adverse event (hemodynamic instability characterized by bradycardia, tachycardia, and asystole); 22 (9%) patients experienced 38 nonserious adverse events reported by physicians to be HBAT related. Twelve (5%) deaths occurred; all were determined to be likely unrelated to HBAT. Among 104 (42%) patients with confirmed botulism, those treated early (</=2 days) spent fewer days in the hospital (median, 15 vs 25 days; P < .01) and intensive care (10 vs 17 days; P = .04) than those treated later. Improvements in any botulism sign/symptom were detected a median of 2.4 days and in muscle strength a median of 4.8 days after HBAT. Conclusions: HBAT was safe and provided clinical benefit in treated patients. HBAT administration within 2 days of symptom onset was associated with shorter hospital and intensive care stays. These results highlight the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for botulism among patients presenting with paralytic illness to facilitate early HBAT treatment before laboratory confirmation might be available. Clinical consultation and, if indicated, HBAT release, are available to clinicians 24/7 through their state health department in conjunction with CDC.

Background: Post-diarrheal hemolytic-uremic syndrome (D+HUS) following Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection is a serious condition lacking specific treatment. Host immune dysregulation and genetic susceptibility to complement hyperactivation are implicated in non-STEC-related HUS. However, genetic susceptibility to D+HUS remains largely uncharacterized. Methods: Patients with culture-confirmed STEC diarrhea, identified through the CDC FoodNet surveillance system (2007-2012), were serotyped and classified by laboratory and/or clinical criteria as suspected, probable, or confirmed D+HUS, or as controls and genotyped at 200 loci linked to non-diarrheal HUS or similar pathologies. Genetic associations with D+HUS were explored by multivariable regression, adjusting for known risk factors. Results: Of 641 enrollees with STEC O157:H7, 80 had suspected D+HUS (41 probable and 32 confirmed D+HUS). Twelve genes related to cytokine signaling, complement pathways, platelet function, pathogen recognition, iron transport, and endothelial function were associated with D+HUS in multivariable-adjusted analyses (p≤0.05). Of 12 significant SNPs, 5 were associated with all levels of D+HUS (intergenic SNP rs10874639, TFRC rs3804141, EDN1 rs5370, GP1BA rs121908064, and B2M rs16966334), and 7 SNPs (6 non-complement-related) were associated with confirmed D+HUS (all p<0.05). Conclusions: Polymorphisms in many non-complement-related genes may contribute to D+HUS susceptibility. These results require replication, but they suggest novel therapeutic targets in D+HUS.

These guidelines are intended for use by healthcare professionals who care for children and adults with suspected or confirmed infectious diarrhea. They are not intended to replace physician judgement regarding specific patients or clinical or public health situations. This document does not provide detailed recommendations on infection prevention and control aspects related to infectious diarrhea.

Background. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis contribute to substantial mortality, especially among immunocompromised persons, including those with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), hematologic malignancy (HM), and solid organ transplant (SOT). Methods. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes available in the National Inpatient Sample, a hospital discharge database, we estimated IA-related hospitalizations (IA-RH), mucormycosis-RH (M-RH), HSCT-RH, HM-RH, and SOT-RH during 2000-2013. United States census data were used to calculate overall M-RH and IA-RH rates and present trends; estimated annual numbers of HSCT-RH, HM-RH, and SOT-RH served as denominators to calculate M-RH and IA-RH rates occurring with these conditions. Weighted least-squares technique was used to test for linear trends and calculate average annual percentage change (APC). Results. There were an estimated 169 110 IA-RH and 9966 M-RH during 2000-2013. Overall, IA-RH and M-RH rates per million persons rose from 32.8 to 46.0 (APC = +2.9; P < .001) and 1.7 to 3.4 (APC = +5.2%; P < .001), respectively, from 2000 to 2013. Among HSCT-RH, there was no significant change in M-RH rate, but a significant decline occurred in IA-RH rate (APC = -4.6%; P = .004). Among HM-RH, the rate of M-RH increased (APC = +7.0%; P < .001), but the IA-RH rate did not change significantly (APC = +1.2%; P = .073). Among SOT-RH, M-RH (APC = +6.3%; P = .038) and IA-RH rates (APC = +4.1%; P < .001) both increased. Conclusions. Overall IA-RH and M-RH rates increased during 2000-2013, with a doubling of M-RH. Mucormycosis-related hospitalization occurring in conjunction with certain comorbidities increased, whereas IA-RH rates among patients with the comorbidities, decreased, remained stable, or increased to a lesser extent than M-RH.

To determine frequency and risk for sporotrichosis-associated hospitalizations, we analyzed the US 2000-2013 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample. An estimated 1,471 hospitalizations occurred (average annual rate 0.35/1 million persons). Hospitalizations were associated with HIV/AIDS, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although rare, severe sporotrichosis should be considered for at-risk patients.

We report on a case of listeriosis in a patient who probably consumed a prepackaged romaine lettuce-containing product recalled for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Although definitive epidemiological information demonstrating exposure to the specific recalled product was lacking, the patient reported consumption of a prepackaged romaine lettuce-containing product of either the recalled brand or a different brand. A multinational investigation found that patient and food isolates from the recalled product were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and were highly related by whole genome sequencing, differing by four alleles by whole genome multilocus sequence typing and by five high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting a common source. To our knowledge, this is the first time prepackaged lettuce has been identified as a likely source for listeriosis. This investigation highlights the power of whole genome sequencing, as well as the continued need for timely and thorough epidemiological exposure data to identify sources of foodborne infections.

On September 17, 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) notified CDC of a cluster of three potentially health care-associated mucormycete infections that occurred among solid organ transplant recipients during a 12-month period at hospital A. On September 18, hospital B reported that it had identified an additional transplant recipient with mucormycosis. Hospitals A and B are part of the same health care system and are connected by a pedestrian bridge. PADOH requested CDC's assistance with an on-site investigation, which started on September 22, to identify possible sources of infection and prevent additional infections.

Listeria monocytogenes(Lm) causes severe foodborne illness (listeriosis). Previous molecular subtyping methods, such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), were critical in detecting outbreaks that led to food safety improvements and declining incidence, but PFGE provides limited genetic resolution. A multiagency collaboration began performing real-time, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on all U.S.Lmisolates from patients, food, and the environment in September 2013, posting sequencing data into a public repository. Compared with the year before the project began, WGS, combined with epidemiologic and product trace-back data, detected more listeriosis clusters and solved more outbreaks (2 outbreaks in pre-WGS year, 5 in WGS year 1, and 9 in year 2). Whole-genome multilocus sequence typing and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses provided equivalent phylogenetic relationships relevant to investigations; results were most useful when interpreted in context of epidemiological data. WGS has transformed listeriosis outbreak surveillance and is being implemented for other foodborne pathogens.

Fungi are an integral part of the natural environment and, therefore, play many roles in relation to food: some fungi are used in food production, some are food sources themselves, and some are agents of food spoilage. Some fungi that contaminate food can also be harmful to human health. The harmful but noninfectious health consequences of mycotoxins have been well-characterized, but the extent to which fungi in food pose a risk for invasive infections is unknown. We conducted a literature review to identify cases of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) believed to have resulted from ingestion or inhalation of food, beverages, or dietary supplements (excluding Saccharomyces infections). We identified 11 publications describing cases or small outbreaks of IFIs related to foods or beverages and three describing IFIs related to dietary supplements. These food-associated IFIs were predominantly mold infections, and the few yeast infections were associated with dairy products. Suspected foodborne IFIs appear to be rare, but are increasingly described in the electronically searchable literature. They are associated with a variety of foods, are due to a variety of fungal pathogens, and primarily occur in persons with immunosuppressive conditions or other predisposing factors. Various guidelines for high-risk patients recommend avoidance of certain food products that may contain high levels of fungi, but further work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these restrictive diets in preventing fungal infections. The relationships between food spoilage, food insecurity, and IFI risk are another area that may warrant further exploration.

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes gastrointestinal manifestations ranging from mild nonbloody diarrhea to severe hemorrhagic colitis. Some strains can cause life-threatening postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Despite the medical community's nearly 35-year experience with these pathogens, the optimal clinical management to decrease the likelihood of HUS remains unsettled. Most concur that current best practices for managing STEC O157 infections include early diagnosis, supportive care (especially ensuring adequate hydration), monitoring for early evidence of HUS, and avoidance of antibiotic treatment unless required for another infection [1–3]. However, the question of possible risks and benefits of antibiotic treatment of STEC, especially O157, diarrhea has been debated for decades. | Early observations of patients with STEC O157 infection noted that those who had received antibiotics seemed more likely to develop HUS [4]. However, proof of a causative association has been elusive. The question has not been well suited for randomized clinical trials because patients are often empirically treated with antibiotics before STEC is diagnosed, and by the time a diagnosis is made the events that lead to HUS are likely already under way. Observational studies have all struggled with ways to account for (or have simply ignored) the fact that sicker patients are probably both more likely to get treated with antibiotics and more likely to develop HUS, regardless of any causal effect. The proposed mechanism for harm is increased production of toxin stimulated by the antibiotic, release of toxin from stimulated or dying bacteria, or both. These theories have been supported by in vitro [5–10] and animal model [6, 11] studies showing that exposure of certain STEC strains to certain antibiotic classes (eg, fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [TMP-SMX], β-lactams, and others) at certain doses can increase production and release of Shiga toxins or worsen severity of infections. However, some in vitro studies have shown that certain antibiotics (eg, macrolides, rifaximin, tigecycline, fosfomycin, and others) at certain doses can reduce or not alter Shiga toxin production by certain STEC strains [5, 7, 10, 12], and studies of mice and pigs have suggested that certain antibiotics (eg, azithromycin and fosfomycin) may improve or, at least, not worsen outcomes [6, 11, 13]. Better information about the effects of treatment with various antibiotic regimens could inform treatment decisions, not only for diarrheal illness, but also for those now rare patients with invasive STEC infections, such as O80:H2 reported from France [14].

Histoplasmosis has been described as the most common endemic mycosis in the United States. However, histoplasmosis is not nationally notifiable. Its presumed geographic distribution is largely derived from skin test surveys performed during the 1940s, and information about its local features comes primarily from outbreak investigations. We conducted a literature review to assess epidemiologic features of histoplasmosis outbreaks in the United States. During 1938-2013, a total of 105 outbreaks involving 2,850 cases were reported in 26 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. Common exposure settings were chicken coops and buildings or other structures undergoing renovation or demolition. Birds, bats, or their droppings were reported to be present in 77% of outbreak settings, and workplace exposures were reported in 41% of outbreaks. The continued occurrence of histoplasmosis outbreaks, particularly work-related ones involving known disturbance of bird or bat droppings, highlights the need to increase awareness of the disease.

We examined trends in histoplasmosis-associated hospitalizations in the United States using the 2001-2012 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample. An estimated 50 778 hospitalizations occurred, with significant increases in hospitalizations overall and in the proportion of hospitalizations associated with transplant, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions often treated with biologic therapies; therefore, histoplasmosis remains an important opportunistic infection.

Fungal diseases require greater attention today than ever before, given the expanding population of immunosuppressed patients who are at higher risk for these diseases. This article reports on distribution, incidence, and prevalence of various fungal diseases and points out gaps in knowledge where such data are not available. Fungal diseases that contribute substantially to global morbidity and mortality are highlighted. Long-term, sustainable surveillance programs for fungal diseases and better noninvasive and reliable diagnostic tools are needed to estimate the burden of these diseases more accurately.

Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare but nearly always fatal disease and accounts for more than half of all mucormycosis infections among neonates. Premature birth is the primary risk factor, though malnutrition, hyperglycemia, acidosis, asphyxia, corticosteroid use, recent surgery, instrumentation with orogastric or nasogastric tubes, and exposure to contaminated products have also been implicated. A combination of impaired mucosal integrity and an immature immune system likely contribute to development of infection. Clinical manifestations can mimic necrotizing enterocolitis and can include abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, hematochezia, fever, peritonitis, and sepsis. Diagnosis is challenging because there are no pathognomonic clinical or radiographic signs, and organisms may not be found on culture; diagnosis is often based on evidence of organisms in tissue and signs of angioinvasion on histopathology. Treatment involves a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy. Mortality is extremely high at nearly 80 % but may be reduced with early surgical and medical intervention.

During September 2012, CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigated a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections caused by injections of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate solution (MPA). After this unprecedented outbreak, scientists in the CDC Mycotic Diseases Branch, along with infectious diseases specialists who cared for patients from the outbreak, clinical experts, and public health officials from affected states, have continued to monitor the recovery of affected patients. A long-term follow-up study involving these patients was initiated and is being conducted by the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC). This update summarizes subsequent information about the current state of the outbreak.

Beef and leafy vegetables were the most common sources of these outbreaks.

Public attention has been drawn to recent high-profile outbreaks of mycotic diseases, such as those of fungal meningitis and other infections linked to contaminated steroids [1] and an outbreak of necrotizing cutaneous mucormycosis linked to a tornado [2]. However, fungal outbreaks are more common than most people appreciate, and reports of outbreaks caused by unusual fungal pathogens are increasing. The Mycotic Diseases Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates 3–6 fungal outbreaks per year, many of which are caused by rare fungi with limited diagnostic and treatment options. This is a considerable increase from the 1990s, when the Branch investigated 1–2 hospital-based outbreaks per year, generally caused by yeast and traced to a single source. Although the exact reasons for this increase are unknown, the increased number of patients with impaired immune system may have contributed to this trend. | The majority of fungal outbreaks can be attributed to either environmental exposure or a contaminated product (Table 1). For example, two recent outbreaks were linked to contaminated medications. In 2012, two medications produced by a single compounding pharmacy in Florida were contaminated with Fusarium sp. and Bipolaris sp., respectively, shipped to 15 states, and injected into the eyes of patients undergoing vitrectomies. As a result, 47 patients developed endophthalmitis, and most lost vision [3]. In the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak, methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) contaminated with Exserohilum rostratum and several other microorganisms was shipped to 23 states, potentially exposing nearly 14,000 individuals to this contaminated medication. As a result, 752 people developed meningitis, arachnoiditis, or spinal/paraspinal abscesses, and 64 patients died, making this the deadliest fungal outbreak to date

On July 19, 2014, a packing company in California (company A) voluntarily recalled certain lots of stone fruits, including whole peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots, because of concern about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes based on internal company testing. On July 31, the recall was expanded to cover all fruit packed at their facility during June 1-July 17. After the initial recall, clinicians, state and local health departments, CDC, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received many inquiries about listeriosis from concerned consumers, many of whom had received automated telephone calls informing them that they had purchased recalled fruit. During July 19-31, the CDC Listeria website received >500,000 page views, more than seven times the views received during the previous 52 weeks. However, no molecular information from L. monocytogenes isolates was available to assess whether human illnesses might be linked to these products.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical spectrum of postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) hospitalizations and sought predictors of in-hospital death to help identify children at risk of poor outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We assessed clinical variables collected through population-based surveillance of D+HUS in children <18 years old hospitalized in 10 states during 1997-2012 as predictors of in-hospital death by using tree modeling. RESULTS: We identified 770 cases. Of children with information available, 56.5% (430 of 761) required dialysis, 92.6% (698 of 754) required a transfusion, and 2.9% (22 of 770) died; few had a persistent dialysis requirement (52 [7.3%] of 716) at discharge. The tree model partitioned children into 5 groups on the basis of 3 predictors (highest leukocyte count and lowest hematocrit value during the 7 days before to 3 days after the diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome, and presence of respiratory tract infection [RTI] within 3 weeks before diagnosis). Patients with greater leukocyte or hematocrit values or a recent RTI had a greater probability of in-hospital death. The largest group identified (n = 533) had none of these factors and had the lowest odds of death. Many children with RTI had recent antibiotic treatment for nondiarrheal indications. CONCLUSION: Most children with D+HUS have good hospitalization outcomes. Our findings support previous reports of increased leukocyte count and hematocrit as predictors of death. Recent RTI could be an additional predictor, or a marker of other factors such as antibiotic exposure, that may warrant further study.

In July-August 2009, eight patients with bloody diarrhea complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) were admitted to hospitals in Tbilisi, Georgia. We started active surveillance in two regions for bloody diarrhea and post-diarrheal HUS. Of 25 case-patients who developed HUS, including the initial 8 cases, half were 15years old, 67% were female and seven (28%) died. No common exposures were identified. Among 20 HUS case-patients tested, Shiga toxin was detected in the stools of 2 patients (one with elevated serum IgG titers to several Escherichia coli serogroups, including O111 and O104). Among 56 persons with only bloody diarrhea, we isolated Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O104:H4 from 2 and Shigella from 10; 2 had serologic evidence of E. coli O26 infection. These cases may indicate a previously unrecognized burden of HUS in Georgia. We recommend national reporting of HUS and improving STEC detection capacity.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is found naturally in coastal saltwater. In the United States, Vp causes an estimated 35,000 domestically acquired foodborne infections annually, of which most are attributable to consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish. Illness typically consists of mild to moderate gastroenteritis, although severe infection can occur. Demographic, clinical, and exposure information (including traceback information on implicated seafood) for all laboratory-confirmed illnesses are reported by state health departments to CDC through the Cholera and Other Vibrio Surveillance system. Vp isolates are distinguished by serotyping (>90 serotypes have been described) and by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

We describe multiple-aetiology infections involving non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) identified through laboratory-based surveillance in nine FoodNet sites from 2001 to 2010. A multiple-aetiology infection (MEI) was defined as isolation of non-O157 STEC and laboratory evidence of any of the other nine pathogens under surveillance or isolation of >1 non-O157 STEC serogroup from the same person within a 7-day period. We compared exposures of patients with MEI during 2001-2010 with those of patients with single-aetiology non-O157 STEC infections (SEI) during 2008-2009 and with those of the FoodNet population from a survey conducted during 2006-2007. In total, 1870 non-O157 STEC infections were reported; 68 (3.6%) were MEI; 60 included pathogens other than non-O157 STEC; and eight involved >1 serogroup of non-O157 STEC. Of the 68 MEI, 21 (31%) were part of six outbreaks. STEC O111 was isolated in 44% of all MEI. Of patients with MEI, 50% had contact with farm animals compared with 29% (P < 0.01) of persons with SEI; this difference was driven by infections involving STEC O111. More patients with non-outbreak-associated MEI reported drinking well water (62%) than respondents in a population survey (19%) (P < 0.01). Drinking well water and having contact with animals may be important exposures for MEI, especially those involving STEC O111.