Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection

Definition

Escherichia coli infection caused by Enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) strains which produce special toxins which stimulate the lining of the intestines causing them to secrete excessive fluid, thus producing diarrhea. ETEC strains remain a major cause of infantile diarrhoea in developing countries and of travellers’ diarrhoeas in visitors to these countries.

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