Causes

The most common cause of HUS — particularly in children under the age of 5 — is infection with certain strains of E. coli bacteria. E. coli refers to a group of bacteria normally found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Most of the hundreds of types of E. coli are normal and harmless. But some strains of E. coli cause diarrhea.

Some of the E.coli strains that cause diarrhea also produce a toxin called Shiga toxin. These strains are called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC. When you are infected with a strain of STEC, the Shiga toxin can enter your bloodstream and cause damage to your blood vessels, which may lead to HUS. But most people who are infected with E. coli, even the more dangerous strains, don't develop HUS.

Other causes of HUS can include:

• Other infections, such as infection with pneumococcal bacteria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or influenza
• The use of certain medications, especially some of the medications used to treat cancer and some of the medications used to suppress the immune system of organ transplant recipients
• Rarely, HUS may occur as a complication of pregnancy or health conditions such as autoimmune disease or cancer

An uncommon type of HUS — known as atypical HUS — can be passed down genetically to children. People who have inherited the mutated gene that causes this form of HUS won't necessarily develop the condition. But the mutated gene might be activated after exposure to a trigger, such as an infection, the use of certain medications or a chronic health condition.