Prevalence of Shiga toxin-, intimin- and haemolysin genes in Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water supplies in a rural area of Austria.

Literature harbours several reports of potable water-associated outbreaks. We studied the prevalence of Shiga toxin- (stx1/2), intimin- (eae) and haemolysin (hlyA) genes in Escherichia coli isolates from drinking water of private and public water supplies in a rural area of Upper Austria; 2633 water samples were gained between November 2000 and December 2003. Two hundred and eighty of these water samples were positive for E. coli (10.6%). Of these, 101 samples were drawn from drilled wells (36%), 96 from dug wells (34%), 61 from springs (22%) and 22 from water supplies without available information on technical details (8%); 141 of the samples were from public water supplies, 139 from private water supplies. Eleven of the E. coli isolates were found to be positive for one of the investigated virulence genes (3.9%): one isolate yielded stx2, seven eae, and three isolates had hlyA. The presence of these genes underlines the importance of control of water quality in public and also private water supplies.

The experience of relatives asked for organ donation. The original project, obstacles, findings, and unexpected results.

In this article we describe the aims of a Swiss cohort study in bereaved relatives who were asked for organ donation. Their experience in the ICU was assessed six months after the donation request by questionnaire (quantitative approach) and, in a subgroup, by interviews (qualitative approach). The difficulties of running such a multitcentre study are reported in detail. A short overview of general findings is given. The unexpected results, namely the impact of our findings on communication skills training in ICU staffs, and the change engendered in the clinical practice of transplantation coordinators in the follow-up of donor families, are described in detail.