Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which condition is associated with E. coli infection?

1. Flu-like symptoms

2. Difficulty breathing

3. Kidney damage or failure

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Kidney damage or failure

E. coli infection is particularly known for its potential to cause severe complications, notably kidney damage or failure. When certain strains of E. coli, particularly O157:H7, infect an individual, they can produce toxins that can lead to a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and the subsequent impact on the kidneys, which may lead to acute kidney failure. This makes kidney damage a critical concern associated with E. coli infections. Other conditions listed, while they can be related to various illnesses, are not specific indicators of E. coli infection. Flu-like symptoms may overlap with many types of gastrointestinal illnesses but lack the specificity tied to E. coli, as they do not typically result from this particular pathogen. Difficulty breathing is more commonly associated with respiratory conditions or severe allergic reactions rather than gastrointestinal tract infections like E. coli. Dehydration is a concern in cases of diarrhea, which can occur with E. coli; however, the most significant and serious outcome related to E. coli is indeed kidney damage.