Colonic ischaemia as a severe Shiga toxin/verotoxin producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 complication in a patient without haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Germany, June 2011.

ABSTRACT

An increasing rate of infections with Shiga toxin/verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC) O104H4 has been observed in Germany since May 2011, with unusually high numbers of patients suffering from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). We report a STEC/VTEC O104H4 case without HUS, presenting with colonic ischaemia demanding surgery. This atypical clinical presentation of STEC O104H4 infection might indicate new severe complications associated with this uncommon strain, and highlights the importance of immediate interdisciplinary assessment of STEC/VTEC patients.