The condition comprises a heterogeneous collection of disorders unified by a shared underlying pathology of thrombotic microangiopathy, which is classically defined by the concurrent presence of non-immune microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury [2].
Disease overview
Other Evidence-backed information EN 3/7 applicable sections · ZH 3/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome represents a clinically significant condition frequently associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections, drawing international attention due to transcontinental outbreak potential and notable mortality rates [1][2]. Diagnostic advancements have substantially increased case identification over recent decades, revealing a broad spectrum of bacterial subtypes capable of triggering the syndrome [3].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 4
Clinical presentation is classically characterized by the triad of non-immune microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury [2].
Non-O157:H7 STEC-driven outbreaks have attracted considerable focus due to their capacity to cross borders and cause fatal outcomes, with incidence patterns differing markedly between developed and developing regions [1]. Longitudinal monitoring indicates a steady rise in diagnosed cases over recent years, with particular toxin subtypes consistently linked to syndrome progression [3].
- 1 Purwar S et al. Non-O157:H7 Shiga Toxin Producing Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (STEC) in Southern India: A Tinderbox for Starting Epidemic. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Oct. PMID: 27891338. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/21462.8714. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27891338/
- 2 Michael M et al. Haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Lancet. 2022 Nov 12. PMID: 36272423. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01202-8. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36272423/
- 3 Scheutz F et al. Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) from Danish Patients, 1997-2023: Diagnostic Trends and Bacteriological Findings. Microorganisms. 2025 Oct 12. PMID: 41156801. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13102342. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41156801/
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Peer reviewed Open access Possible disease match Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) Outbreak investigation
DOI 10.1017/s0950268825100964 ↗ An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26:H11 associated with dried fruit, UK 2023
Epidemiology and Infection
Secondary transmissions during the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104 in Hesse, Germany, 2011
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