Implementation of multiplex PCR diagnostics for gastrointestinal pathogens linked to increase of notified Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli cases in Norway, 2007–2017

The aim of this study was to investigate implementation of multiplex PCR assays (broad screening PCR) on the distribution and characteristics of notified Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases in Norway, 2007–2017. We described STEC cases notified to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS), 2007–2017 and categorised cases as high-virulent, low-virulent or unclassifiable STEC infections based on guidelines for follow-up of STEC cases. We conducted descriptive analysis and time series analysis allowing for trends and seasonality, and calculated adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) using negative binomial regression for laboratories with and without broad screening PCR. A total of 1458 STEC cases were notified to MSIS (2007–2017), median age 21 years, 51% female. Cases were categorised as having 475 (33%) high-virulent, 652 (45%) low-virulent, and 331 (23%) unclassifiable STEC infections. We observed a higher increasing monthly trend in cases (aIRR = 1.020; 95% CI 1.016–1.024) notified from laboratories with broad screening PCR (n = 4) compared to laboratories (n = 17) without (aIRR = 1.011; 95% CI 1.007–1.014). Notification of low-virulent STEC infections increased from laboratories with broad screening PCR. The increase in notified STEC cases was prominent in cases categorised with a low-virulent STEC infection and largely attributable to unselective screening methods. We recommend NIPH to maintain differentiated control measures for STEC cases to avoid follow-up of low-virulent STEC infections. We recommend microbiological laboratories in Norway to consider a more cost-effective broad screening PCR strategy that enables differentiation of high-virulent STEC infections. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10096-019-03475-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.