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[A thermostable toxin-producing E. coli and infantile diarrhea]
Insights
A specific E. coli strain (ETEC 0153; ST) causing infantile diarrhea was identified in Israel. This finding is significant as this pathogen was previously considered rare globally but has recently caused outbreaks in Spain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains, particularly serogroup 0153 producing thermostable toxin (ST), were historically considered rare worldwide.
- Recent reports indicate a rising prevalence of ETEC 0153 (ST) strains as a significant cause of infantile diarrhea outbreaks in Spain over the past two years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of infantile diarrhea caused by an ETEC 0153 (ST) strain in Israel.
- To highlight the emergence of this specific ETEC strain as a potential cause of infant gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from infants with diarrhea were analyzed for bacterial pathogens.
- Isolation and characterization of the E. coli strain, including serogrouping and toxin analysis (ST production).
- Identification of co-infections with other enteric pathogens such as rotavirus, Plesiomonas, and Shigella sonnei.
Main Results:
- An E. coli strain belonging to serogroup 0153 and producing only thermostable toxin (ETEC 0153; ST) was isolated from 9 infants with diarrhea.
- Four of the affected infants were premature and experienced frequent fluid stools.
- Co-infections with other pathogens were detected in 5 of the 9 infants.
Conclusions:
- The isolation of ETEC 0153 (ST) from infants in Israel marks the first reported instance of this pathogen in the region.
- The findings suggest a potential shift in the epidemiology of infantile diarrhea, with ETEC 0153 (ST) emerging as a notable cause.
- Continued surveillance is warranted to monitor the prevalence and impact of ETEC strains in infantile gastroenteritis globally.
Abstract:
An E. coli strain producing only a thermostable toxin (ST) and belonging to serogroup 0153 (ETEC 0153; ST) was isolated from the stools of 9 infants with diarrhea, 4 of them premature, during the last half of August, 1988. All the 4 prematures passed frequent fluid stools. In 5 of the 9 infants, other pathogens were found in addition to the ETEC strain, including rotavirus, Plesiomonas and Shigella sonnei. Until recently, ETEC strains like that described were considered rare all over the world. During the past 2 years ETEC strains belonging to that serogroup and toxin type were reported as a major cause for infantile diarrhea in Spain in 5 outbreaks. Infantile diarrhea caused by an ETEC strain in Israel is reported here for the first time.