Increase in ECHOvirus 6 infections associated with neurological symptoms in the Netherlands, June to August 2016.

The Dutch virus-typing network VIRO-TypeNed reported an increase in ECHOvirus 6 (E-6) infections with neurological symptoms in the Netherlands between June and August 2016. Of the 31 cases detected from January through August 2016, 15 presented with neurological symptoms. Ten of 15 neurological cases were detected in the same province and the identified viruses were genetically related.

Coexistence of multiple PCR-ribotype strains of Clostridium difficile in faecal samples limits epidemiological studies.

Clostridium difficile is an important cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The simultaneous presence of different strains in individual faecal samples has not yet been established, but is important for epidemiological studies. Recurrences of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) are observed in 15-20 % of patients and have been reported as relapses or reinfections with a new strain.