Definition: Strains of ESCHERICHIA COLI that produce or contain at least one member of either heat-labile or heat-stable ENTEROTOXINS. The organisms colonize the mucosal surface of the small intestine and elaborate their enterotoxins causing DIARRHEA. They are mainly associated with tropical and developing countries and affect susceptible travelers to those places.
infection: coordinate IM with ESCHERICHIA COLI INFECTION (IM)
Other names Enterotoxigenic E. coli; ETEC; Escherichia coli, Enterotoxigenic; E coli, Enterotoxigenic
