Disease
Fact Sheet Series:
What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious disease that affects the
kidneys and blood clotting system. It is a rare disease but is more common
in children, especially those less than five years of age, than in adults.
What are the symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome may be mild or severe. In severe cases,
kidney function is greatly reduced and dialysis (purification of an
individual’s blood with an artificial kidney) may be necessary to
temporarily take over the function of the kidneys. Abnormalities of the
blood clotting system can create a bleeding tendency, and the blood count
may be low (anemia). Transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors
(platelets) are often needed in severe cases. Most individuals with HUS
recover completely and kidney function returns to normal. However, a
prolonged hospital stay is often required.
What causes HUS?
In most cases, HUS is caused by infection
with the bacteria E. coli O157:H7. However, the majority of
individuals infected with this bacteria do not develop HUS. This
bacteria produces a toxin that can cause damage to the kidneys and blood
clotting system. It is not clear why some people infected with this
bacteria develop HUS, while many others do not. Some cases of HUS are not
caused by E. coli O157:H7; these individuals may be infected with
another type of toxin-producing bacteria.
How are HUS and E. coli 0157:H7 infection
diagnosed?
HUS cannot be diagnosed with a single laboratory test. Physicians use
the results of several tests and their medical evaluation to determine if
an individual has HUS. These include tests of kidney function, blood
clotting factors, and blood counts.
Infection with E. coli O157:H7 can be diagnosed
by a stool culture. This is a special type of culture that is not a
routine part of an enteric bacterial screen. When appropriate, a specific
request must be made to the laboratory to screen the individual’s stool
for this bacteria.
Is there any treatment for infection with E. coli
O157:H7 bacteria?
Diarrhea caused by E. coli 0157:H7 infection usually resolves
over a few days without any specific treatment. Treatment with antibiotics
has not been shown to be effective. Antibiotic treatment does not alter
the severity or duration of diarrhea, or shorten the period of time
someone had E. coli 0157:H7 in their stool. More importantly,
antibiotic treatment does not reduce the risk of developing complications
of E. coli 0157:H7 infection and may, in fact, increase the risk of
developing HUS. It is important to prevent and treat dehydration. HUS
requires hospitalization for kidney dialysis.
Is this a new disease?
Diarrhea caused by E. coli 0157:H7 was first recognized in
1982. HUS and TTP have been known to exist for many years but their
association with E. coli 0157:H7 infections has only recently been
identified.
How can E. coli 0157:H7 infections and the
potential complication of HUS be prevented?
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked beef (steak tartare or rare
hamburgers, for example).
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk or unpasteurized milk
products.
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized fruit juices (e.g., apple juice or
apple cider).
- Always carefully wash your hands with plenty of soap and water
after bowel movements, and before and after food preparation.
Parents should stress proper handwashing habits to their children.
- Wash hands following contact with cattle and cattle fecal material
including manure used for farming or domestic gardening practices.
For more information, contact your
Local
Public Health Department
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Last Revised: November 04, 2008
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