Molecular mechanisms of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are a major cause of diarrheal illness in developing countries, and perennially the most common cause of traveller's diarrhea. ETEC constitute a diverse pathotype that elaborate heat-labile and/or heat-stable enterotoxins. Recent molecular pathogenesis studies reveal sophisticated pathogen-host interactions that might be exploited in efforts to prevent these important infections. While vaccine development for these important pathogens remains a formidable challenge, extensive efforts that attempt to exploit new genomic and proteomic technology platforms in discovery of novel targets are presently ongoing.
Fleckenstein
James M
JM
Medicine Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA. jflecke1@tennessee.edu
Hardwidge
Philip R
PR
Munson
George P
GP
Rasko
David A
DA
Sommerfelt
Halvor
H
Steinsland
Hans
H
D018830:Adhesins, Escherichia coli / Q000378:metabolism; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D004403:Dysentery / Q000382:microbiology; D054307:Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000382:microbiology; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D018830:Adhesins, Escherichia coli; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D034982:Integration Host Factors; D037521:Virulence Factors