The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was formerly named The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

2015- STEC/VTEC isolates

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli (VTEC/STEC) confirmed by ERL in 2015. There were 343 STEC confirmed in 2015 (183 (53.4%) E. coli O157), compared with 215 (89.3% E. coli O157) and 193 (88.1% E. coli O157), in 2013 and 2014, respectively. There was a significant increase in the number of E. coli non-O157 STEC confirmed this year, mostly in the Auckland region (from 2 cases in 2014 to 110 cases in 2015). This is most likely linked to the introduction of molecular testing for enteric pathogens in some of the diagnostic laboratories in the region. 

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