What is the prognosis for Escherichia coli?
In most cases of O157:H7, symptoms last for about a week and recovery is often spontaneous. Ten percent of individuals with E. coli O157:H7 infection develop HUS; 5% of those will die of the disease. Some who recover from HUS will be left with some degree of kidney damage and possibly irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, there is a possibility of chronic E. coli infection. Infants that develop E. coli infections may be permanently affected. Gastroenteritis may leave the child with lactose intolerance. Neonates developing meningitis from E. coli strains have a high morbidity and mortality rate Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.
