Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Could Be Done For Frequent UTI And Inflammation Of Kidneys?
Question: My grand daughter is continually getting UTIs. A few years ago she was diagnosed with Shiga Virus. She has a pain in her back and is looking very tired and unwell. The Doctors she has seen are giving her antibiotics and I feel this is not helping her. She has been to Casualty at the local Hospital but they will not admit her. I was just wondering if the Shiga Virus could still be affecting her and has damaged her kidneys. She had an ultra sound done last week and was informed she had inflammation around her kidneys.
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Some kinds of E. coli cause disease by making a toxin called Shiga toxin. The bacteria that make these toxins are called “Shiga toxin-producing” E. coli, or STEC for short. You might hear these bacteria called verocytotoxic E. coli (VTEC) or enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); these all refer generally to the same group of bacteria.
These bacteria can cause severe urinary tract infections and such infections can also ascent the urinary tract and involve the kidneys by causing inflammation.
You grand daughter possibly requires detailed testing of urine and blood samples for the presence of shiga producing bacteria and treatment with antibiotics which will suppress bacterial multiplication and growth. Consultation with a specialist in kidney and urinary tract diseases is suggested.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The one concern was could there be any shiga toxin still present in her body with only UTIs, sore back and general malaise present as the only symptoms. It would be five years ago that she was diagnosed with the condition and was subsequently hospitalised and treated?
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in with an update.
It may not be the shiga toxin from an infection which she had 5 years back and was treated. Sore back, general malaise and UTI can be the presenting symptoms of any bacterial infection including shiga toxin producing E.coli. This may be a new outbreak of infection. Any infection needs to be confirmed using microbiological tests. You may also take note of any shiga toxin infection outbreak in your community.
Your grand daughter may need to follow strict personal and food hygiene for some days. She can drink lots of fluids and take necessary medications as advised by her doctor.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
