Infection with a Shiga-toxin producing strain of Shigella may be associated with the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Clinical features of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS):
(1) thrombocytopenia
(2) hemolytic anemia with schistocytes
(3) renal impairment
Shigella-associated HUS:
(1) is more commonly reported in third world countries
(2) can occur in epidemics
(3) may be avoided if appropriate antibiotic therapy is started early
Diagnosis:
(1) demonstration of Shigella species in stool culture (or implicated in outbreak)
(2) demonstration of Shiga toxin production
(3) exclusion of other explanations for the HUS
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
