Question

What is the difference between EHEC and ETEC?

Answer 1

Both ETEC and EHEC infections are typically acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food or water (Figure 1). However, a major difference between ETEC and EHEC is that ETEC only have a human reservoir of infection while EHEC are zoonotic pathogens [2, 9].

Answer 2

EHEC and ETEC are two strains of E. coli bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections. EHEC produces a Shiga-like toxin, leading to severe symptoms and a potentially life-threatening condition, while ETEC produces enterotoxins and results in milder symptoms like watery diarrhea.

Step-by-step explanation:

EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) and ETEC (enterotoxigenic E. coli) are two different strains of E. coli bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections. The main difference between EHEC and ETEC lies in the toxins they produce and the symptoms they cause.

EHEC produces a Shiga-like toxin, which can lead to severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, severe cramping, and can potentially cause a life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). On the other hand, ETEC produces heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxins, which result in watery diarrhea and milder symptoms.

It's important to note that both EHEC and ETEC can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, and proper hygiene and food safety practices are crucial in preventing the spread of these infections.