Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC): a recurring decimal in infants' and travelers' diarrhea

Rev Environ Health. 2008 Apr-Jun;23(2):135-48. doi: 10.1515/reveh.2008.23.2.135.

Abstract

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important cause of diarrhea in infants and in travelers from developed to underdeveloped countries, especially in regions of poor sanitation. The ETEC are acquired by the ingestion of contaminated food and water, and adults living in endemic areas develop immunity. The disease condition manifests as a minor discomfort to a severe cholera-like syndrome and requires colonization by the microorganism and the elaboration of one or more enterotoxins. The ETEC attach to the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and release substances that affect the normal functioning of the tract, thereby resulting in diarrhea, and subsequently millions of deaths everyday, particularly in children. The prevention of the spread of this strain of diarrheagenic E. coli depends on ensuring appropriate sanitary measures; hand-washing and proper preparation of food; chlorination of water supplies; and appropriate sewage treatment and disposal. Parenteral or oral fluid and electrolyte replacement is used to prevent dehydration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are used in chronic or life-threatening cases, but in most cases, should be avoided because of severe side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Developing Countries
  • Diarrhea, Infantile* / diagnosis
  • Diarrhea, Infantile* / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea, Infantile* / microbiology
  • Diarrhea, Infantile* / therapy
  • Dysentery* / diagnosis
  • Dysentery* / epidemiology
  • Dysentery* / microbiology
  • Dysentery* / therapy
  • Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli* / pathogenicity
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / epidemiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / therapy
  • Food Contamination / prevention & control
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Travel
  • Water Microbiology
  • Water Supply