Question

Which type of E. coli infection can be severe with life-threatening consequences such as hemolytic uremic syndrome?

a) Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)
b) Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)
c) Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)
d) Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)

Answer 1

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infections can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). EHEC is distinguished by its production of Shiga-like toxins and is diagnosed using culture methods, such as MacConkey with sorbitol agar.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of E. coli infection that can be severe with life-threatening consequences such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).

EHEC is known for causing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea with severe cramping and, though often self-limiting, it can lead to serious conditions like hemorrhagic colitis and HUS. Diagnosing EHEC involves culture methods, often employing MacConkey with sorbitol agar, which differentiates E. coli O157:H7, a strain that does not ferment sorbitol, from other strains that do.

Moreover, the EHEC group produces Shiga-like toxins which contribute to severe illness by damaging the lining of blood vessels, particularly in the kidneys, and this can lead to HUS, a condition characterized by anemia, kidney failure, and a low platelet count.