EHEC is an enterohemorrhagic strain of E. coli (coliform bacteria). It is an extremely virulent strain, because it produces strong toxins, the so-called verocytotoxins, which are dangerous to he alth and life - especially for young children and the elderly. Check which diseases can lead to EHEC, what are their symptoms and how to protect yourself from infection.

EHECis an enterohaemorrhagic strain of colon bacilli, i.e. E. coli bacteria. It is extremely virulent because, after entering the human body, it releases various toxins, the most dangerous of which are verotoxins. They can lead to the potentially fatal haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) characterized by acute renal failure, haemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. It is estimated that 10 percent. EHEC infected patients may develop HUS, which is fatal in up to 5%. cases.

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - where is it?

The natural habitat of EHEC is the intestines of cattle and other farm animals, as well as domestic animals such as dogs and wild animals. Therefore, EHEC is also found in the natural environment: in soil, water and plants.

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - how do you get infected?

EHEC infection can occur as a result of:

  • eating infected, undercooked meat - mainly beef (e.g. minced meat). Meat becomes contaminated with EHEC sticks, which are present in the digestive tract of cattle during slaughter;
  • consumption of infected, raw milk or milk products, e.g. cheese or yoghurt;

EHEC grows at a temperature of 7 to 50 degrees C, but the most optimal temperature for the development of this bacterium is 37 degrees C. That is why in summer there are the most infections.

  • eating unwashed fruit, vegetables grown on organic fertilizers, or sprouts of plants grown in this way. The source of infection are also salads and juices prepared on the basis of contaminated fruit or vegetables;
  • drinking infected water;
  • bathing in infected water (in a pond, stream);
  • direct contact with the animal or with the human carrier;
  • direct contact with a sick person;

EHEC(enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - symptoms

After entering the body, EHEC bacteria are not destroyed by stomach acids (like most bacteria responsible for gastrointestinal infections) because they are resistant to them. So they get into the large intestine and colonize it, sticking to the epithelial cells, where they then release toxins. These damage the intestinal epithelial cells and blood vessels, which causes bleeding into the intestinal lumen. Therefore, in the course of the infection, the following appear:

The toxin can enter the bloodstream and damage internal organs (mainly the kidneys) and even contribute to the development of sepsis.

  • diarrhea (if bloody, the course of the disease will be severe);
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • severe cramping abdominal pain;

Symptoms of poisoning appear at the earliest 2, and at the latest 10 days after EHEC enters the body.

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - diagnosis

If EHEC infection is suspected, genetic tests are carried out based on the detection of verotoxin genes.

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - treatment

Although EHEC is a bacterium, antibiotics are not used to treat infections caused by it, because they help to release large amounts of toxins from the destroyed bacteria.

In addition, although EHEC infection manifests as diarrhea, drugs that inhibit it should not be used. Retention of the intestinal contents will cause the toxin-producing bacteria to remain in the gut for a longer time, leading to an increase in its concentration and a more severe course of infection.

The doctor can only take steps to control the multiplication of bacteria and symptomatic treatment, which boils down to correcting electrolyte deficiencies that result from diarrhea.

It is worth knowing that in 2011, scientists from Heidelberg, Montreal and Paris found a drug that could be effective in the treatment of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These are monoclonal antibodies known as Eculizumab that are used to treat one of the rare clotting diseases and congenital HUS. This preparation was administered to those infected during the EHEC epidemic in Germany in 2011.

This will be useful to you

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) - how to avoid infection?

1. Follow the rules of personal hygiene, especially those regarding frequent hand washing (always wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing / eating a meal).

GOOD TO KNOW>>WASHING YOUR HANDS correctly will save you from many diseases

2. Exactlycook and sauté the meat. Remember that EHEC does not die until the temperature of 70 degrees C and above. 3. Avoid eating bloody or raw meat. 4. Wash all vegetables and fruits before consuming them (some even recommend scalding them) 5. When cooking meat, soups or sauces, bring them to the boil. 6. Choose pasteurized dairy products. 7. Drink water either bottled or boiled. EHEC sticks contaminate the soil, therefore they can get into wells and water intakes together with groundwater.

Category:

Infectious diseases