Socio-economic factors associated with the incidence of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) enteritis and cryptosporidiosis in the Republic of Ireland, 2008–2017

Abstract The Republic of Ireland (ROI) currently reports the highest incidence rates Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) enteritis and cryptosporidiosis in Europe, with spatial distribution both infections exhibiting a clear urban/rural divide. To date, no investigation role socio-demographic profile on either infection ROI has been undertaken. current study employed bivariate analyses Random Forest classification to identify associations between individual components national deprivation index spatially aggregated cases STEC cryptosporidiosis. Classification accuracies ranged from 78.2% (STEC, urban) 90.6% (cryptosporidiosis, rural). was (negatively) associated mean number persons per room percentage local authority housing urban rural areas, addition lower levels education while unemployment were infections, irrespective settlement type. Lower third-level areas only. This highlights settlement-specific disparities respect education, household composition, enteric infection. Study findings may be for improved risk communication surveillance safeguard public health across profiles.