ENTEROAGGREGATIVE ESCHERICHIA-COLI

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), an increasingly recognized cause of diarrhea in children in developing countries, has been partic ularly associated with persistent diarrhea (more than 14 days), a majo r cause of illness and death. Recent outbreaks implicate EAEC as a cau se of foodborne illness in industrialized countries. The pathogenesis of EAEC infection is not well understood, but a model can be proposed in which EAEC adhere to the intestinal mucosa and elaborate enterotoxi ns and cytotoxins, which result in secretory diarrhea and mucosal dama ge. EAEC's ability to stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators may also play a role in intestinal illness.