E. coli is a bacteria that lives in the intestines. Some E. coli strains are harmless and do not cause any problems, while other strains can cause serious problems, from diarrhea to death. E. coli 0157:H7 is one of the most serious strains, according to the Mayo Clinic. E. coli 0157:H7 is most commonly contracted from raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Symptoms usually appear within seven days and include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, reports FamilyDoctor.org. However, E. coli 0157:H7 can cause more serious long-term effects that may involve hospitalization.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a very serious long-term complication related to E. coli poisoning. HUS occurs when the toxins from E. coli 0157:H7 begin to destroy the red blood cells. According to MedlinePlus, HUS most often occurs from an E. coli 0157:H7 infection. HUS is more common in children but more serious in adults. HUS often affects the kidneys, and treatment may involve dialysis, corticosteroids, and blood and platelet transfusions.
Hemolytic Anemia
MedlinePlus states that hemolytic anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in the blood. This is due to the premature destruction of red blood cells due to E. coli 0157:H7. Treatment involves corticosteroids and transfusions.
Kidney Failure
Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 is the most common cause of kidney failure in children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acute kidney failure is when the kidneys can no longer remove waste from the blood and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes. According to MedlinePlus, HUS causes clotting in the kidney's blood vessels, which leads to kidney damage. Treatment usually involves limiting fluids and food that may cause waste buildup. Dialysis may also be required. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute kidney failure can sometimes lead to chronic kidney failure in patients with E. coli 0157:H7 infection. Food Poison Journal reports that the acute effects of E. coli 0157:H7 destroy a substantial number of nephrons---the functional units of the kidney---requiring the functioning nephrons to overcompensate, which causes the kidneys to become overworked, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease.
Long-Term Carrier
Typically, those who are infected with E. coli can shed the bacteria for several weeks, or even several months, after symptoms go away, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected children tend to carry the bacteria longer. Hand washing is very important to prevent further spread of the illness.
