Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS)
HUS is a disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemololytic anaemia (anaemia secondary to red blood cell fragmentation) and renal (kidney) failure. About 90 per cent of HUS cases are caused by a certain group of bacteria known as verocytotoxin-producing E.coli (VTEC).
- E.coli infection is a common cause of food poisoning and can be acquired from foods such as unpasteurised milk or uncooked meat.
- It can also spread from person to person.
May 2005