Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. Coli
Cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are often attributed to the O157:H7 strain of E. coli, which is most often picked up from contaminated food or water. Infections with this strain of E.coli are nicknamed hamburger disease because the strain can be found in undercooked red meat. Other strains of E. coli may cause HUS, too.
HUS can also occur in response to other germs, pregnancy, or certain medicines. In rare cases, the cause might be undeterminable. When adults have HUS, it’s typically due to something other than foodborne illness. Your genetics may also be at play, causing atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome–an inherited condition.
Symptoms
Hemolytic uremic syndrome occurs after stomach flu (gastroenteritis) that may include vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Two to 14 days later, the condition begins with symptoms like:
Sudden paleness (pallor) and irritability Restlessness, sleepiness, and seizures Decreased urination Bloody urine Little purple bruises on the skin Increased blood pressure Abdominal pain Fatigue Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or body
Getting a Diagnosis
HUS is diagnosed through blood, urine, and stool tests. Blood tests will look for low red blood cell and platelet counts, as well as high levels of creatinine. Urine tests will check for high levels of protein and the presence of blood. Stool tests will look for bacteria like E.coli. Healthcare providers may also do a kidney biopsy if the other tests are inconclusive.
Treating HUS
If you have HUS, you will need to be admitted to a hospital for treatment. Medical care is provided for kidney failure and may include dialysis, blood transfusions (to return the blood to normal), high blood pressure medicine, and a special diet. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) may also be given. It is not clear whether antibiotics can help treat the disease. Unfortunately, 1% to 10% of patients will not survive, and many more will develop long-term health problems.
For people with long-term kidney damage, your healthcare provider may recommend taking blood pressure medications or following a low-protein diet to decrease your risks of further kidney damage.
Prevention
You can protect yourself and your children from getting foodborne illnesses by:
Cooking all ground beef and poultry thoroughly—send restaurant food back to the kitchen if it’s not cooked to well-done—or choosing to avoid eating these meats. Avoiding unpasteurized juices or milk. Refrigerating ground beef and perishable food immediately after shopping. Washing your hands and food utensils with hot, soapy water after handling meat and poultry.
