Escherichia coli - EAEC, EHEC, EIEC, ETEC

There are at least four different ways in which Escherichia coli can cause diarrheal disease, invasion of the intestinal epithelium, enterotoxin produ ction, STx production, and adherence with disruption of the normal function ing of the intestinal epithelium. This article discusses the four different ways in which E. coli can cause diarrheal disease, and the clinical syndro mes associated with these pathogenic mechanisms. In addition, this article reviews how the organisms are spread, with an emphasis on the types of food that can act as a vehicle for their transmission; how they can be recogniz ed in the laboratory; how they should be treated once the patient is found to be infected; and how they can be prevented.