Infection-associated thrombotic microangiopathy

Abstract

The great majority of cases with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are caused by infections. Over 90% of cases of HUS are caused by infection with various strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria. Invasive infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae account for approximately 40% of Shiga toxin-negative cases. Other infectious agents, including HIV, influenza virus, and several other viral and bacterial pathogens, have also been reported in association with HUS. Infectious causes were among the first recognized etiologies of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which are the main focus of this chapter.