E. Coli 0157:H7 (cont.)
How do people get E. coli 0157:H7?
Most commonly, E. coli 0157:H7 comes from eating raw or undercooked ground beef (hamburger) or from drinking raw milk. Less commonly, E coli O157:H7 can be transmitted from one person to another.
What are the symptoms of E. Coli, and how is
it diagnosed?
In patients suspected of having E. coli 0157:H7 infection (for example, patients with bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and tenderness with no fever), a stool specimen is tested for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Some hospitals test for E. coli 0157:H7 in all stool samples submitted to their laboratories while others only test for E. coli 0157:H7 in samples from patients with bloody diarrhea. Still others only test for E. coli 0157:H7 upon request by the doctors.
There are two methods of testing for E. coli 0157:H7 in stool samples; 1) growing the bacteria in culture dishes, or 2) testing for the shiga toxin produced by the bacteria. Even though toxin detection methods are becoming more common, it is important to confirm the presence of E. coli 0157:H7 in cultures of stool containing toxin.
Blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC), and blood levels of electrolytes,
blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and
creatinine (blood tests that measure function of the kidney) are performed periodically to look for the development of
hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
What is the treatment for E. coli 0157:H7?
For the acute diarrheal illness, antibiotics have not proven useful. In fact, some studies have shown that antibiotic use may increase the chances of developing
hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Treatment includes the replacement of fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 should be treated by a physician.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura require complex supportive care in the hospital. Patients with kidney failure may need dialysis.
Next: How can you prevent infection from E. coli 0157:H7? »
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