Final answer:
The primary treatment for infants with infections caused by EPEC, ETEC, and EIEC concentrates on supportive care with rehydration and electrolyte management. Antibiotics are used selectively for ETEC and EPEC but are avoided for EIEC and EHEC due to risks of exacerbating conditions like HUS.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended treatment for infants with infections with EPEC, ETEC, and EIEC primarily includes supportive care rather than antibiotics, as these conditions can be life-threatening due to severe dehydration caused by diarrhea. For EPEC and ETEC infections, supportive care is necessary, and in some cases, antibiotic treatment with fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, rifaximin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) may be considered.
However, antibiotic use for EIEC is not recommended, as these infections are usually self-limiting. Antibiotic treatment is especially avoided in cases of EHEC infections, which can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), where antibiotic therapy can worsen the condition by releasing toxins when bacteria are killed. Therefore, management focuses on rehydration and electrolyte replenishment to prevent severe dehydration.