Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. (EPEC)

Question 1

Infectious dose size

Answer 1

Large

Question 2

What population is it prevalent in?

Answer 2

Newborns, particularly in nurseries and daycares

Question 3

Major characteristic of EPEC

Answer 3

Intimate adherence pattern of colonization

Question 4

Steps of adherence pattern

Answer 4

1) Bundle-forming pili (Bfp) assist in adherence from relatively long distance
2) Syringe-like secretion system (called type III secretion) injects Tir into host cell
3) Tir binds to intimin on E. coli, resulting in pedestal formation

Question 5

How does EPEC induce diarrhea?

Answer 5

There is no toxin.
There is malabsorption due to microvili disruptions from the pedestal attachment.
Disruption of epithelial tight junctions