Four main categories of E. Coli produce diarrhea in humans: -
Enteropathogenic (childhood diarrhea): Primarily affects
children less than 2 years of age. This is caused by the
bacteria attaching itself to the cells of the intestines and
causing destruction of the cells and diarrhea as a result. -
Enterotoxigenic (cholera): Produces a toxin mediated diarrhea
that is indistinguishable from severe cholera, traveler's
diarrhea and maybe childhood diarrhea. - Enterohemorrhagic:
produces a shigella like toxin that causes bloody diarrhea and
colitis. - Enteroinvasive (bacillary dysentery): Produces a
disease similar to that produced by Shigella organisms. E. Coli
is the leading cause of traveler's diarrhea. Management may
require fluid and electrolyte correction. Severe infections
usually respond to antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or
gentamicin or tobramycin.