This is how the diagnosis is made
If an EHEC pathogen is suspected, the affected person usually presents himself to his family doctor due to severe diarrhea symptoms. In order to finally be able to diagnose an EHEC infection, various tests are performed. First, an examination of the stool sample is taken.
The stool sample may contain blood in the stool. If an EHEC infection is suspected, a special stool test can also be performed. A blood and urine test can also be used as an additional criterion for the detection of an EHEC infection.
In addition to its actual effect, the EHEC infection can also cause a so-called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). This can be detected by the determination of blood cells and blood platelets in the blood. Changes in kidney values can also indicate that the kidney is affected by the EHEC infection.
A clear diagnosis can be made by determining the EHEC toxins. In this process, the suspected bacteria are closely examined for their genes and toxin production.
