Escherichia coli O157:H7 as the Predominant Pathogen Associated With the Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Prospective Study in the Pacific Northwest

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
During a 12-month period, 14 patients with the hemolytic uremic syndrome were identified in a prospective study of enteric pathogens associated with this disorder. Of the 12 patients with a diarrheal illness preceding the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome, fecal Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected in seven (58%), all of whom bloody diarrhea . Half of the siblings of these patients had concurrent nonbloody diarrhea. No source for infection with this organism was identified. Enteric infection with E. coli O157:H7 occurs in the majority of cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome following diarrheal illness in the Pacific Northwest and may represent a previously overlooked cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome in other locales. Evaluation of all cases of hemolytic uremic syndromes for enteric pathogens should routinely include cultures for E. coli O157:H7 until results of additional studies clarify the distribution of agents associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome in different geographical regions. These findings may provide a new opportunities for the design of therapeutic and preventive strategies in this disorder.