E. Coli Outbreak and Conjunctivitis

Sir, the present public health problem to be concerned is the E. coli outbreak in Europe. This problem started in Germany and extended widely. The main presentation of E. coli infection is diarrhea. However, the other non-diarrhea symptoms are also mentioned. Focusing on eye manifestations, the conjunctivitis is a topic to be focused. Indeed, E. coli is confirmed as an important cause of conjunctivitis in many animals.1 However, in human beings, the same problem can be seen. In the pediatric population, which is also the vulnerable group to E. coli infection, the report confirms the E. coli induced conjunctivitis. Focusing on a report by Gosh et al, the E. coli was the most common pathogen causing neonatal conjunctivitis.2 The outbreak of E. coli induced conjunctivitis has also ever been reported in pediatric ward.3 Focusing on the present outbreak, the concern on eye manifestations as a new sign of emerging of E. coli infection should be kept in mind.