Infection · UKMLA & AKT
Escherichia coli gastroenteritis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
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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