Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Escherichia coli gastroenteritis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise escherichia coli gastroenteritis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- STEC O157:H7 - watery diarrhoea progressing to haemorrhagic colitis over 1-3 days after undercooked beef exposure
- Crampy abdominal pain - can mimic surgical abdomen
- Low-grade fever - high fever less typical of STEC than Salmonella/Campylobacter
- Oliguria, pallor, fatigue - late signs suggesting HUS (renal involvement + haemolysis)
E. coli O157 does NOT cause a flu-like prodrome (myalgia, headache, fatigue). Campylobacter classically does. Both cause bloody diarrhoea and right iliac fossa pain - the prodrome distinguishes them.
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