Summary
Studies from Europe indicate that infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) non-O157:H7 strains are increasing in frequency as a cause of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). In 1997 a prospective study was performed in Germany and Austria to assess the distribution of EHEC serotypes, to characterize the clinical course and to examine environmental aspects. 95 children with a diagnosis of HUS were evaluated in Germany and Austria. Diarrhea, which was bloody in 67%, was reported in 97% of patients. Oligo-/anuria occurred in 76% of patients, of which 63% required dialysis. Two patients showed neurological sequelae at the 2-month follow-up, both of them were infected with non-O157;H7 serotypes. Case fatality in the acute stage was 3/95, in two of these patients EHEC was isolated. Stool and serum specimens were analyzed for the presence of EHEC and antibodies against O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serotype O157:H7 was identified in 36/58 (62%) isolates, 22 strains (38%) belonged to non-O157:H7. Combining stool culture with serology, EHEC infection was documented in 88% of patients, including three patients without diarrhea. Non-O157:H7 serotypes occurred in 77% of children up to 36 months of age and were the most prevalent serotype in children up to 12 months of age.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: February 9, 1999 · Accepted: September 19, 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Verweyen, H., Karch, H., Allerberger, F. et al. EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli (EHEC) in Pediatric Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome: A Prospedtive Study in Germany and Austria*. Infection 27, 341–347 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s150100050040
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s150100050040