Prevalence and Incidence of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli

Contents

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Prevalence: Book Excerpts

Causes and incidence - Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae infections

Prevelance of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli discussion:

Unknown; very few laboratories can identify these organisms. Enterotoxigenic E. coli are the most common cause of travelers’ diarrhea and have caused several foodborne outbreaks in the United States. There are an estimated 79,420 cases of ETEC in the United States each year. EPEC and EIEC primarily infect children in the developing world. Enteroaggregative E. coli probably cause chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients. (Source: excerpt from Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli: DBMD)

Prevalence/Incidence of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli: Online Medical Books

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Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae infections: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Although some strains of E. coli exist as part of the normal GI flora, infection usually results from certain nonindigenous strains. For example, noninvasive diarrhea results from two toxins produced by strains called enterotoxic or enteropathogenic E. coli. Enteropathogenic E. coli serotype 0157:H7 is the most well-known strain in the United States. These toxins interact with intestinal juices and promote excessive loss of chloride and water. In the invasive form, E. coli directly invades the intestinal mucosa without producing enterotoxins, thereby causing local irritation, inflammation, and diarrhea. Normal strains can cause infection in immunocompromised patients.

Transmission can occur directly from an infected person or indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water or contact with contaminated utensils. Incubation takes 12 to 72 hours.

Incidence of E. coli infection is highest among travelers returning from other countries, particularly Mexico, Southeast Asia, and South America. E. coli infection also induces other diseases, especially in people whose resistance is low. The strain E. coli 0157:H7 has been associated with undercooked hamburger and with animals and petting zoos.

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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

About prevalence and incidence statistics:

The term 'prevalence' of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.