A04.3

Clinical Causes: Consuming contaminated food, especially undercooked ground beef Contaminated produce such as lettuce and spinach Drinking unpasteurized milk or juice Contact with infected individuals or animals, particularly livestock Poor hygiene practices, including inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or handling raw meat

Key Symptoms: Watery diarrhea that may turn bloody Stomach cramps and abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Fever, typically low-grade Fatigue and weakness in severe cases Complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), leading to kidney failure

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis primarily involves stool tests to detect the presence of EHEC bacteria. Culturing the bacteria from stool samples helps confirm the infection. Additional tests may include blood tests to assess kidney function, especially if complications are suspected. Imaging studies are rarely necessary but may be performed if severe symptoms or complications arise.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing dehydration, usually through supportive care. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for EHEC infections because they can increase the risk of complications like HUS. Patients are encouraged to rest, maintain hydration, and follow medical advice. In severe cases, hospitalization and advanced treatments such as dialysis may be necessary.