Quick test detects EHEC symptoms

EHEC rapid test allows diagnosis even before the onset of symptoms

31/05/2011

The University Hospital Münster has developed a rapid test for EHEC. This should enable a corresponding diagnosis even before the first EHEC symptoms appear in order to start the medical treatment as early as possible.

So far, the bloody diarrhea (blood in the stool) was considered an essential feature of EHEC infection that, according to the nationwide health authorities for all those affected should be a warning signal. The Münster University Hospital has now introduced an EHEC rapid test, with the help of which even the smallest amounts of EHEC pathogens can be examined for special characteristics of the outbreak strain - even before the first EHEC symptoms appear.

Diagnosis possible before the onset of EHEC symptoms
With the new EHEC rapid test, possible infections can be detected and appropriate countermeasures can be taken even before the first EHEC symptoms appear. The treatment of EHEC infections could be significantly improved by the early diagnosis, the experts hope. In addition, the risk of unconscious transmission of EHEC pathogens could be significantly reduced if patients are already aware of the infectious disease prior to the onset of EHEC symptoms. At a press conference on Tuesday at 2 pm, the Münster University Hospital presented the new EHEC rapid test. This can be carried out in any molecular biological laboratory and allows even the smallest amounts of EHEC pathogens within a short time to draw conclusions about special properties of the outbreak strain. As part of the EHEC rapid test, the specific genes of the outbreak strain are duplicated, making an accurate assignment possible, according to the announcement of the University Hospital.

EHEC infection wave continues
While physicians in Germany are currently looking for suitable diagnostic and treatment methods, threatens the EHEC infection wave for now, continue to warn, warn the health authorities. According to the experts at the summit meeting of the federal government, federal states and authorities, further deaths are expected on Monday in Berlin. So far, the Robert Koch Institute has registered at least 14 deaths as a result of EHEC infections; where 12 of the victims were women. Yesterday, the first deaths occurred outside of northern Germany: A 91-year-old patient in Bad Lippspringe, North Rhine-Westphalia, died as a result of the dangerous diarrhea and a woman in the district of Gütersloh succumbed to EHEC infection. The first EHEC infections were also reported abroad, with, for example, the three proven measures infected with EHEC-infected US citizens, presumably when they were in Germany.

EHEC: New treatment method tested
In addition to the new EHEC rapid test, the treatment method currently being tested at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) with the active ingredient "eculizumab" offers grounds for hope. Because in the context of their investigations, the experts of the MHH were able to achieve first successes in the treatment of patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Patients with particularly severe EHEC infection could possibly be helped by the antibody Eculizumab, reported Prof. Hermann Haller, Director of the Clinic for Kidney and High-Pressure Diseases at the MHH. However, his no wonder from the new drug. „It is (is) not a miracle cure“, emphasized Prof. Haller. Also at Hamburg University Hospital Eppendorf (UKE), the new drug has already been used in eleven patients, but so far, it is not clear how successful the rescue attempts are, said the Hamburg kidney specialist Prof. Rolf Stahl. The results of the new treatment method, however, could probably only be seen in three to four weeks, explained the expert. (Fp)

Also read:
Do not panic about EHEC germs
EHEC: No raw fruits and vegetables for pregnant women
EHEC Causes: The pathogen on the trail
Symptoms of EHEC infection
First deaths from EHEC infections
No antibiotic in EHEC
Enigmatic infections caused by EHEC pathogens
Doctors are testing new therapy for EHEC infection

Picture: Rainer Sturm