Enigmatic infections caused by EHEC pathogens

Enigmatic infections: EHEC pathogen causes bloody diarrhea

22/05/2011

In northern Germany, more and more dangerous infections with the EHEC bacterium (enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) have occurred. The Lower Saxony Ministry of Health has therefore urged all citizens who suffer from bloody diarrhea urgently to see a doctor.

Since the beginning of last week, the number of reported EHEC infections has increased significantly, said the Ministry of Health on Friday. While continuing to search for the causes of increased EHEC infections, all residents are encouraged to seek medical treatment at the onset of symptoms. Because in addition to the bloody diarrhea threaten significant health consequences to life-threatening kidney failure.

Number of life-threatening EHEC infections increased significantly
In general, infections with the life-threatening EHEC pathogen are rather rare in Germany. Around 1,200 diarrheal diseases caused by EHEC per year were reported on average in recent years at the Robert Koch Institute. At present, however, there are considerably more EHEC infections in Northern Germany than usual. The health authorities puzzle over possible causes. So far, according to the authorities, twelve cases of EHEC-related bloody diarrheal diseases from different regions have been reported. Patients of all ages were infected. The search for the possible causes of EHEC infections is considerably hampered by the few matches among those affected, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Health. The health authorities are also concerned about the difficult course that the disease has taken in most infected people. The patients cared for in the intensive care units in the clinics in Hannover, Hamburg and Lüneburg are, according to media reports, at least temporarily in acute danger to life.

Symptoms of EHEC infection: fever, vomiting Renal failure
An infection with EHEC in the initial phase is characterized by symptoms such as fever, and so-called vomiting diarrhea (gastroenteritis). In the further course of the disease, the toxins of the bacteria can destroy the cells of the intestinal wall and the blood vessels and thus cause a bloody diarrhea. In addition, the enteropathic hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) threatens with serious consequences for the health. In the course of HUS, kidney failure and uraemia or uremia (urinary substances in the blood) are relatively common symptoms. The only thing that will help the patients is an immediate dialysis, explained the experts. Therefore, according to the warning of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Health, those affected should seek treatment as soon as possible after the first signs of EHEC infection appear.

Causes of EHEC infections - transmission through food?
Examples of possible causes of EHEC infections include the consumption of raw meat and raw milk products, as ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats are the main reservoir of the pathogen. Food contaminated with fecal matter, drinking and bathing water can also trigger EHEC infection. In the past, infections have already been detected with ground beef, raw milk, unpasteurised apple juice and lettuce. A direct transmission from the animal to humans is also possible. In addition, the EHEC pathogens can be passed from person to person after the disease has broken out. Those affected should urgently seek treatment in the interest of their fellow human beings. (Fp)

Picture: Gerd Altmann