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Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli - An Overview

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Pathogenic bacteria called enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) are extremely invasive and attach to proteins and enter intestinal cells.

Written by

Dr. Palak Jain

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Published At November 14, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Introduction:

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is an intracellular group of pathogens that, like Shigella, the etiological agent of bacillary dysentery, can enter epithelial cells of the colon, multiply inside them and move between nearby cells. Escherichia coli is a common source of sickness and mortality and a benign commensal of the human and animal intestines. By penetrating the large intestine's epithelial cells and causing necrosis, ulceration, and inflammation, enteroinvasive E. coli can result in a condition that resembles dysentery. Older kids and adults occasionally induce diarrhoeal epidemics, some food-borne. Travel to underdeveloped nations may be related to it.

Where Is Enteroinvasive E. coli Present?

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) is an intracellular pathogen family of Escherichia coli that, like Shigella, the etiological agent of bacillary dysentery, can enter colon epithelial cells, multiply there, and move between nearby cells.

How Enteroinvasive E. coli Causes Symptoms?

After the E. coli strain breaks through the epithelial membrane, the endocytosis vacuole is dissolved, the strain multiplies utilizing the host cell's machinery, and it spreads to the neighboring epithelial cell. The strain's plasmid also contains the genes for a type III secretion system, which is exploited as the virulent component.

Despite being an invasive illness, it typically does not penetrate the submucosal layer. The pathogenesis of shigellosis may be similar because both bacterial strains share several pathogenic traits. A mild type of diarrhea or dysentery may result from cell invasion and is frequently mistaken for dysentery brought on by Shigella species. The sickness is characterized by the presence of blood and mucus in the feces of those with the infection or colitis.

After consuming contaminated food, dysentery brought on by enteroinvasive Escherichia coli often develops 12 to 72 hours later.

The following are the symptoms of the sickness:

  • Abdominal pain.

  • Nausea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Chills.

  • Fever.

  • Muscle pain.

  • Headache.

What Is the Epidemiology of Enteroinvasive E. coli?

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli is an infectious disease that affects both developing and industrialized nations, causing both epidemic and sporadic diarrhea in children and adults. It has been linked to babies' chronic diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea. Enterotoxins and cytotoxins are produced by enteroinvasive Escherichia coli. It got its name from its propensity to cling to certain cells in cell culture in a stacked brick pattern. In contrast to several other E. coli pathotypes that cause diarrhea, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli strains are less obviously linked to the condition.

What Is the Mode of Infection of Enteroinvasive E. coli?

Since there are no known animal reservoirs for enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and most transmission occurs via the oral-fecal route, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli-infected humans appear to be the predominant source of infection. Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infections are widespread worldwide, although they are more prevalent in low-income nations where a lack of proper hygiene encourages their spread.

When enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infections are recorded in returning travelers from countries with a high frequency, they are typically categorized in industrialized nations as travel-related. A few times, although often due to secondary contamination by a human source, food and water sources have been found as transmission routes for infections.

What Is the Invasive Process of Enteroinvasive E. coli?

Bacteria initially move from the lumen to the submucosa by preferentially penetrating M cells in Peyer's patches before moving on to the intestinal epithelia. Following M cell endocytosis, bacteria are transcytosis in the direction of the M cell pocket, where they collide and are phagocytosed by local macrophages. Macrophages infected with Shigella generate T3SS (type III secretion system) effectors and components that NLRs (nod-like receptors) identify as PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular pattern), which eventually trigger pyroptosis and the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 and IL-18.

Although pyroptosis is a type of cell death that causes a significant inflammatory response, bacteria must infiltrate enterocytes to induce macrophage cell death. Invasive bacteria discharged from dying macrophages infiltrate the nearby enterocytes through the basolateral surface. They are contained in a vacuole that quickly ruptures, releasing them into the cytoplasm.

The bacteria then grow and spread to other cells, utilizing actin-based locomotion. The recruitment of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL), which migrate across the epithelium, destabilizing the intercellular junctions and increasing the surface available for bacterial entry into target cells, is a key function of the very early inflammatory response induced upon invasion of epithelial cells.

What Are the Treatment Modalities for Enteroinvasive E. coli?

There are currently no cures for enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infections, including medications that can alleviate symptoms or avoid consequences.

Most people's treatments consist of the following:

  • Rest.

  • Hydration and fatigue-preventing fluids.

  • Avoid anti-diarrheal medications since they slow digestion and inhibit the body from eliminating toxins. Antibiotics are often not advised due to the potential for significant effects and the need to work to treat the infection.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies:

Follow these guidelines to avoid dehydration and alleviate symptoms as recover:

  • Clear drinks should be consumed, like water; clear sodas and broths, gelatin, and juices are all good sources of clear liquids. Apple and pear juices, caffeine, and alcohol should all be avoided.

  • Certain foods, like dairy products, fatty meals, high-fiber foods, and highly seasoned foods, should be avoided because they can aggravate symptoms.

  • When a patient feels better, they can resume their usual diet.

Conclusion:

Shigella and Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli have several microbiologic and pathological similarities. The pathotype is frequently observed in regions with a high Shigella load. Person-to-person transmission is infrequently documented, and the infectious dosage may be larger than that of Shigella. The similarly related Shigella strain enteroinvasive Escherichia coli is hypothesized to induce watery diarrhea by invading the colon's epithelial cells. There are no enterotoxins produced by it. Abdominal pains, fatigue, tenesmus, and, on occasion, fever are among the symptoms. Dysentery or bloody diarrhea are infrequent results. The person will benefit from symptomatic therapy. To know more about the condition, consult the doctor online.

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Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Infectious Diseases

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