During the acute phase of infection, large numbers of enterotoxigenic cells are excreted in feces. These strains are differentiated from nontoxigenic E. coli present in the bowel by a variety of in vitro immunochemical, tissue culture, or gene probe tests designed to detect either the toxins or genes that encode for these toxins. The diagnosis can be completed in about 3 days. (Source: FDA Bad Bug Book)
In the laboratory, infection with ETEC is diagnosed when the bacteria are cultured from samples of stool. The techniques necessary to identify ETEC are not widely available, and physicians may make the diagnosis based on a patient's history and symptoms. If ETEC is suspected, the microbiology laboratory evaluating a patient's stool specimen should be alerted. (Source: excerpt from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC): DBMD)
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about diagnostis of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
Because certain strains of E. coli normally reside in the GI tract, culturing is of little value; a working diagnosis depends on clinical observation. However, if E. coli 0157:H7 is suspected, notify the laboratory so that appropriate testing of stool specimens can be performed.
A firm diagnosis requires sophisticated identification procedures, such as bioassays, that are expensive, time-consuming and, consequently, not widely available. Diagnosis must rule out salmonellosis and shigellosis, other common infections that produce similar signs and symptoms.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
"I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process this claim." Do you recognize these words? You should, if...
Germs are a fact of life and catching an infectious disease like a cold may seem inevitable. But there are simple ways to protect yourself against...
Stress takes its toll by making us anxious, depressed and not able to function as fully as we'd like. What many don't know is that stress can...
Sleep is necessary to feel refreshed, but now we know sleep actually impacts the way the body functions. Sleeping poorly can affect how often you get...