An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) occurred in the UK in June 2024, leading to severe diarrhoea and hospital admissions. Emily Craig wrote a Guide in the Telegraph on the UK E. coli outbreak - including interview with myself and Prof Alan McNally.
Some information on STEC.
What is STEC?
STEC produce a toxin called Shiga that can damage cells that are present in our intestine, which therefore prevents our intestine from functioning normally. The most typical symptoms of illness caused by STEC are diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. The diarrhea can be severe, and in some people the diarrhoea may be bloody. These symptoms usually occur 3 to 4 days after the initial exposure to STEC.
What complications can an infection cause and what is the mechanism behind these complications?
In a small number of people, STEC can cause a more severe illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This happens when blood vessels in the intestine that have been damaged by Shiga toxins form blood clots that travel through the body. If these blood clots reach our kidneys, they can cause damage and prevent the kidneys from working effectively. This may lead to kidney failure in severe cases. The symptoms of HUS can be reduced urination, a feeling of fatigue, pale skin or easy bruising of the skin.
What is STEC O145?
There are many different subtypes of STEC that can cause illness in people. However, only a few are identified as causes of outbreaks of severe illness. STEC O157 is one of the most well-known subtypes because it has been associated with outbreaks of severe illness for many years. A different subtype called STEC O145 is causing the current outbreak of severe illness in the UK. It has not been identified in outbreaks of severe illness until recent years/ STEC O145 therefore represents a new clone of STEC, alongside STEC O157, that can cause outbreaks of severe illness.
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