What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
 What is HUS? |
| Where does this
bacteria come from? |
| Who Develops
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome? |
| What are the
Symptoms and Implications Associated with HUS? |
| Simple Actions to
Prevent Hamburger Disease |
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a disease that affects the kidneys and other organs. It poses a substantial threat to Canadian children as one of the leading causes of both acute and chronic kidney failures. HUS is most common in the warmer months of the year, following a
gastrointestinal illness caused primarily by a particular strain of bacteria known as Escherichia coli O157:H7, nicknamed "Hamburger Disease" by the news media. While other types of E. coli are common in gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans, this particular strain (O157:H7) is not usually present except in diarrheal illnesses. These bacteria (E. Coli O157:H7) produce extremely potent toxins which are the main cause of the symptoms related to the gastrointestinal illness.The most common symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 Gastroenteritis or Hamburger Disease include:
Some individuals may develop fever with this infection. People of all ages can get E. coli O157:H7 gastroenteritis; however, young children and the elderly tend to develop severe symptoms. This infection is highly contagious. Thousands of Canadians become infected each year with many epidemics reported in Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe.
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E.Coli O157:H7 bacteria infect the intestine of cattle and less frequently the intestines of other animals. Typically carried in the feces, it can contaminate the meat during and after slaughtering. These bacteria are associated mainly with consumption of undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk and cheese, and contaminated water sources. Once someone has eaten contaminated food, this infection can pass from person-to-person, by hand-to-mouth contact. Poor hand-washing and improper food handling are factors which lead to the spread of these bacteria.
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Contents.Approximately 1 in every 10 children who have E. coli O157:H7 gastroenteritis or Hamburger Disease, will go on to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. The effect of toxins (produced by the E. coli bacteria) on the body's circulation, affecting red blood cells, the kidneys and in some cases, the brain causes HUS. According to a study conducted by the Canadian Pediatric Kidney Disease Reference Centre
(CPKDRC) between 1986 and 1988, diagnosis of HUS is usually between the 8th and 12th day of the diarrheal illness. However, many children have developed HUS earlier. A very small number of children will develop the disease beyond 2 weeks of their diarrheal illness. Although, HUS occurs in the adult population, it is more common among children, most often affecting those less than 5 years of age. At this time, we are not sure why some children with E.coli O157:H7 gastroenteritis develop HUS while others escape kidney damage.Return to Contents.
Children with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) usually experience irritability and fatigue, paleness of the skin, and often a decrease in the amount of urine output. Following an E. coli O157:H7 gastrointestinal illness, one must check for signs of HUS. If HUS develops, children spend an average of 2 weeks in hospital mainly to care for kidney problems of varying severity. Depending on the severity of the illness, a large majority will require some form of blood transfusion and approximately 50% will need temporary kidney dialysis. Modern medical care has allowed approximately 97% of the children to survive the illness; however, long-term follow-up is very important.
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Last update: October 16, 1998
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