HUS – Potential kidney destruction in young children

The foodborne illness most known for causing kidney destruction in children is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), particularly the strain O157:H7.

This serious complication is known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Here’s a breakdown of how it happens:

1. Infection: A child ingests food or water contaminated with STEC bacteria. Common sources include undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or juice, and contaminated produce.
2. Toxin Production: Once in the intestines, the STEC bacteria multiply and produce powerful toxins called Shiga toxins.
3. Bloodstream Invasion: These toxins can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
4. Red Blood Cell Destruction: The Shiga toxins can damage and destroy red blood cells.
5. Kidney Clogging: The damaged red blood cells clog the tiny filtering vessels in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and injury. This prevents the kidneys from properly filtering waste and fluids from the blood.
6. Kidney Failure: In severe cases, this leads to acute kidney injury or even full-blown kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.

While most people, including children, who get an E. coli infection recover fully, HUS is a serious and life-threatening complication that occurs in a small percentage of cases, most commonly in children under 5 years old. Symptoms of HUS often appear about a week after the initial diarrheal illness and can include decreased urination, extreme tiredness, paleness, and easy bruising. Immediate medical attention and hospitalization are crucial for HUS.