Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other intestinal pathogens in patients with diarrhoeal disease.

Six hundred and six faeces specimens from patients with diarrhoea, aged 0->60 and living in the area of Fano (Italy), were examined for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Shigella and thermophilic Campylobacter spp. E. coli O157:H7 was not found, confirming the limited circulation of this bacterium in our country. On the other hand, Salmonellae were the most frequent pathogens (5.6%), followed by Campylobacters (2.3%) and Shigellae (0.3%).