Melinte, V., Văcăroiu, C.M., Radu, A.M., Cismaru, M.I., Călinoiu, A.L., Rusu, A., Oprescu Macovei, A.M., Ciocîrlan, M., Tianu, E.C., Mîrzan, L., Mihăilă, D.E., Trandafir, I.V., Bugeac Mitacu, C.S., & Gheorghiță, V. (2024). A Successful Approach in Diagnosing Shiga - Toxin Producing Escherichia coli -Induced Colitis. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.0438.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Melinte, V., Claudia Sorina Bugeac Mitacu and Valeriu Gheorghiță. 2024 "A Successful Approach in Diagnosing Shiga - Toxin Producing Escherichia coli -Induced Colitis" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.0438.v1
Abstract
Shiga-like toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a well-known cause of foodborne acute diarrheic diseases especially in children and the elderly. The potentially fatal complications associated with toxin production range from bloody diarrhoea and ischemic colitis to kidney failure, haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and colon perforation.
We describe a case and literature review of STEC – induced colitis, highlighting the clinical features, and the necessary tools for the best diagnosis approach and management. Facing challenging differential diagnosis ranging from ischemic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, to infectious process due to a pathogenic or opportunistic agent, we practiced a step-by-step exploration. Beginning with bacteriological investigation, imagistic screening, and colonoscopy, we could rule out some of initial suppositions and reach the final diagnosis, also considering the pathological results. Although antibiotics are not indicated in this pathology, our patient did receive antibiotics, given the risk of translocation and colon perforation, without associating any complications, as HUS or peritonitis.
Detailed and rigorous investigations along with a multi-speciality team are required for a prompt medical support. Coping the symptoms and refraining from further complications are the mainstem of the treatment.
Keywords
STEC, bloody diarrhoea, ischemic colitis, E coli
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.