E. Coli 0157:H7 (cont.)
What are the complications of infection with E. coli 0157:H7?
Hemorrhagic diarrhea (hemorrhagic enterocolitis)
The incubation period between exposure to EHEC bacteria and the onset of symptoms is usually three to four days. Symptoms EHEC infection include severe abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness which often is associated with bloody diarrhea. Curiously, there often is little or no fever. The diarrhea typically lasts for
six to eight days.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most worrisome complication of EHEC infection because it is a serious and potentially fatal illness. "Hemolytic" refers to the breakup of red blood cells which leads to anemia. There also is destruction of platelets which leads to low blood levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia) which, in turn, promotes abnormal bleeding. "Uremic" refers to failure of the kidneys. In addition, problems in the brain with
seizures and coma may occur.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome most commonly affects children under the ages of 10 years and is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children. It occurs in 6%-9% of hemorrhagic colitis caused by E coli 0157:H7 and usually occurs approximately 7
to 10 days after the onset of diarrhea.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Persons infected with E. coli 0157:H7, particularly the elderly, can develop a syndrome similar to
hemolytic-uremic syndrome called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with clotting of blood within small blood vessels, anemia due to fragmentation of red blood cells, and shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) that results in
easy bruising, neurologic abnormalities, impaired kidney function, and fever.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, once almost always fatal, is still a serious consequence of E. coli 0157:H7.
Next: How do people get E. coli 0157:H7? »
- cefdinir, Omnicef - Explains the medication cefdinir (Omnicef), a drug used to treat infections such as middle ear, tonsillitis, strep throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue.
- Dialysis - Dialysis is a procedure that performs many of the normal duties of the kidneys, like filtering waste products from the blood, when the kidneys no longer work adequately. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
Latest Medical News
Digestion RSS