Four-year experience with simultaneous culture and Shiga toxin testing for detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in stool samples

Abstract

We report our experience with universal Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) screening using culture and Shiga toxin antigen testing over 4 years. Twelve cases were detected-8 detected by both culture and Shiga toxin immunochromatographic assay (IA), 3 by culture, and 1 by IA only. The addition of Shiga toxin testing is of questionable benefit over culture alone for detection of STEC in areas of low prevalence.© 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.