Long-Term Systemic Effects from E. coli O157:H7

People who have diarrheal illness caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 are later prone to hypertension, renal dysfunction, and heart disease.

Infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes between 50,000 and 120,000 cases of gastrointestinal illness each year in the U.S., resulting in at least 2000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths annually. Acute infection can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and systemic endothelial damage, but until now, the long-term sequelae of this infection have not been well defined.

Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study among adults who were living in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, in May 2000, when the town water supply was subject to gross contamination by livestock fecal matter. At the time of the outbreak, E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter species were isolated, and more than 2300 cases of gastrointestinal illness were diagnosed, as well as …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

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Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter