Which age group is most commonly affected by EHEC outbreaks that lead to HUS?

Which age group is most commonly affected by EHEC outbreaks that lead to HUS?

• A. Children
• B. Adults
• C. Elderly
• D. Infants

Answer: (A)

Infection with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli can trigger a dangerous complication called HUS, and this complication happens most often in children, especially those under five years old. Young children are more likely to progress from the diarrheal illness to HUS because their developing kidneys and immune responses interact with the toxin in ways that promote the microvascular damage seen in HUS. The result is the classic combination of anemia, low platelets, and kidney injury that defines HUS. Adults can get HUS too, but it’s much less common, so the age group most commonly affected is children.

Infection with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli can trigger a dangerous complication called HUS, and this complication happens most often in children, especially those under five years old. Young children are more likely to progress from the diarrheal illness to HUS because their developing kidneys and immune responses interact with the toxin in ways that promote the microvascular damage seen in HUS. The result is the classic combination of anemia, low platelets, and kidney injury that defines HUS. Adults can get HUS too, but it’s much less common, so the age group most commonly affected is children.