Symptom-Free Shedding of STEC O157:H7 in Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jun Terajima, Hidemasa Izumiya, Akihito Wada, Kazumichi Tamura, Haruo Watanabe
Primary Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Hypothesis
The rate of symptom-free STEC O157:H7 shedding is higher in adults aged 30 to 49 years than in other age groups.
Conclusion
The study found that adults aged 30 to 49 years have a higher rate of symptom-free shedding of STEC O157:H7 compared to other age groups.
Supporting Evidence
- 82% of children under 10 years showed symptoms of STEC O157:H7.
- Adults aged 30 to 39 years had a 25% symptom rate.
- 54% of individuals aged 50 to 59 years were symptom-free carriers.
- 68% of individuals older than 70 years were symptom-free carriers.
- Significant differences in stx subtypes were not found between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Takeaway
Some adults can carry a germ that makes people sick without showing any signs of being sick themselves, especially those between 30 and 49 years old.
Methodology
The study analyzed 1,412 STEC O157:H7 human isolates for subtyping and genotyping, focusing on symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Limitations
Further investigations are needed to determine the importance of host factors influencing STEC shedding.
Participant Demographics
The study included individuals of various age groups, with a focus on adults aged 30 to 49 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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