What is the recommended treatment for enterohemorrhagic E. coli?

Fluid support is the recommended treatment for enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infections, particularly to manage dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. EHEC, notably the strain O157:H7, can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, and in some cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that affects kidney function.

Administering fluids helps to prevent complications associated with dehydration, which can occur due to the diarrhea caused by the infection. This supportive care is critical, especially in cases where significant fluid loss has already occurred. It allows the body to recover more effectively while the infection is managed.

While antibiotics may seem like an instinctive choice for bacterial infections, they are not recommended in EHEC cases as they can increase the risk of complications such as HUS. Antivirals and immunoglobulins are not appropriate treatments for this bacterial infection. Therefore, the focus is primarily on supportive care through fluid replacement to ensure patient stability during recovery.