Enteroaggregative E. coli - Information for Clinicians
Type of infection
Enteroaggregative E. coli are strains that contain genes that allow for a unique pattern of aggregative adherence to intestinal cells and produce one or more toxin. Until recently, they could only be detected with research assays.
Sources of infection
- EAEC infections are caused by exposure to food, ice, or water contaminated with human or animal waste.
- Case control studies demonstrate that EAEC causes diarrhea in children in both developing and wealthy countries and in adults with HIV and those who travel to developing countries.
Usual symptoms
- Illness usually starts 1-3 days after exposure.
- Watery diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps. Diarrhea may contain mucous. Fever is rare.
Duration of illness
- Typically 3-4 days but some people may be ill for 14 days or longer.
Treatment
- Treat and prevent dehydration.
- One controlled trial in otherwise healthy adults and a study in patients with HIV showed that ciprofloxacin decreased the duration of diarrhea. Optimal treatment for children is unclear but ciprofloxacin can be considered for children with more prolonged symptoms and in immunocompromised children with EAEC.
Complications
- Dehydration from fluid loss is the major complication.
- Persistent diarrhea (14 days or longer).
Comments
- Case control studies show a significant association of EAEC with diarrhea in US children but it can be occassionally detected from asymptomatic children.
- Wash hands carefully with soap and water after going to the bathroom or changing diapers, cleaning up vomit or stool.