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Isolation of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis from humans with diarrhea

L L Myers1, D S Shoop, L L Stackhouse

  • 1Veterinary Research Laboratory, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis causes diarrhea in humans and fatal enteric disease in rabbits. This bacterium produces an enterotoxin and is a potential cause of diarrheal illness.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathogen Discovery

Background:

  • Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is increasingly recognized as a potential cause of diarrheal disease.
  • The specific role of ETBF in human gastroenteritis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and pathogenicity of ETBF in diarrheic individuals.
  • To establish a relevant animal model for studying ETBF-induced enteritis.

Main Methods:

  • Stool specimens from diarrheic individuals were analyzed for ETBF.
  • ETBF isolates were tested for enterotoxin production.
  • A rabbit model with ligated ceca was used to assess the pathogenicity of ETBF.

Main Results:

  • ETBF was detected in 8 of 44 diarrheic individuals, often in the absence of other enteric pathogens.
  • ETBF produced a detectable enterotoxin.
  • Intraileal injection of ETBF caused fatal enteric disease in rabbits, characterized by diarrhea and necrotizing colitis.

Conclusions:

  • ETBF is present in diarrheic humans and can cause enteritis.
  • The rabbit model effectively demonstrated the enteropathogenicity of ETBF.
  • ETBF warrants further investigation as a significant contributor to diarrheal disease complexes.

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