EHEC quick test no miracle weapon

Timely detection of EHEC infections through new rapid test

09/06/2011

Although the genome of EHEC pathogens that are currently rampant in Germany has already been decoded and the research team led by EHEC expert Helge Karch at the Institute of Hygiene at the University Hospital Münster has developed a rapid test to detect the new, particularly aggressive EHEC pathogen strain. the search for the pathways of EHEC infections is far from complete.

In the case of EHEC epidemics, such as the wave of infections that is currently taking place in Germany, the cause of the infections often remains unclear despite intensive efforts to raise awareness among health authorities and physicians. Although the genome of the currently rampant, particularly aggressive EHEC pathogen strain O104: H4 has already been completely decrypted, the team headed by the Münster EHEC Pope Helge Krach has developed a so-called rapid test to detect the special EHEC bacterial strain. But in the fight against infections and the search for the source of infection so far could be achieved little benefit.

Not every pinch in the stomach is an EHEC infection
In the course of the search for the causes of EHEC infections, health authorities and relevant ministries have suspected alternately cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and sprouts in recent years. Also, general warnings were made before eating raw food. However, despite the existing detection capability using the EHEC rapid test, the path of the new EHEC pathogen O104: H4 is still unclear. In the population there is uncertainty and many ask themselves with slight abdominal pain or diarrhea, whether they are possibly already infected with the dangerous bacteria. The clear symptoms of EHEC are watery-bloody diarrhea, severe kidney disease and even acute kidney failure. Also, neurological disorders are often the result of EHEC infection, especially in severe disease with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). While in the mentioned EHEC symptoms not without reason the alarm bells are ringing and those affected usually go immediately to medical treatment, many people are already insecure with a slight pinch in the stomach. They would like to know if they already have the EHEC pathogens in them.

In case of fear of an EHEC infection first to the family doctor
In view of the fact that hospitals and clinics are already working to full capacity for the treatment of EHEC patients, people who are likely to have EHEC infection but have hardly / not yet suffered from any symptoms should first of all visit the family doctor. Masyar Monazahian from the Lower Saxony State Health Office in Hanover. In any case, the patient would immediately transfer the patient to a clinic for signs of EHEC infection, the expert explained. Here it can then be determined relatively quickly with the help of the rapid test, whether actually an infection with the dangerous enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104: H4 is present. Although the rapid test requires several hours until a clear result is established, but compared to the previous detection methods with the so-called real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which sometimes took up to 36 hours to provide initial results, is the new detection method quantum leap. Since then, the dangerous EHEC pathogen O104: H4 has been clearly detected within a relatively short time. For capacity reasons, however, the EHEC rapid test has so far been reserved for potential risk persons. For people who are just insecure due to the current epidemic and want to make an EHEC test as a hedge, the new detection method is not intended.

EHEC rapid test for at-risk persons
According to the experts, the EHEC rapid test has so far been used above all for those at risk who already suffer from typical EHEC symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or kidney failure. Furthermore, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) some people are at increased risk of infection, so that in this group of diarrheal diseases without blood in the stool should be cause for an EHEC rapid test. For example, according to the Robert Koch Institute, patients at risk are those who are at risk „Manufacture, treatment or placing on the market of foodstuffs or in kitchens of restaurants or other establishments with / for catering“ work. In addition, persons who have direct contact with HUS patients belong to the risk group and should therefore be screened even for mild EHEC symptoms. According to the RKI, the same applies to children up to the age of six who have been hospitalized for diarrhea.

EHEC rapid test enables early diagnosis
Overall, the EHEC rapid test is a good option to track the spread of the disease and to make a diagnosis as soon as possible. This has several advantages in combating the current EHEC epidemic. On the one hand, the spread of the dangerous causative strain O104: H4 can be recorded, on the other hand, the health consequences for those affected can be significantly reduced by an early diagnosis. The early detection of EHEC infection can also significantly reduce the risk of infection for the people, said the expert of the Lower Saxony State Health Department. In addition, possibly contaminated foods will be much easier to check for potential EHEC exposure to O104: H4 in the future. However, whether the rapid test can make a contribution in the search for the causes of the current EHEC infection wave remains questionable. Because how the particularly dangerous pathogens arose and how they got into circulation can probably only be explained with the help of chance. Many EHEC epidemics in the past have never found the direct source of dangerous infections. (Fp)

Also read:
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Neurological disorders as EHEC symptoms
EHEC infections: first signs of slowing
WHO: New EHEC pathogen triggers infections
EHEC: DRK calls for blood donations
Green cucumbers no EHEC transmitter
Quick test detects EHEC symptoms
Do not panic about EHEC germs
Doctors are testing new therapy for EHEC infection
EHEC Causes: The pathogen on the trail
EHEC: No raw fruits and vegetables for pregnant women
Symptoms of EHEC infection

Picture: Gerd Altmann