Which strain of Escherichia coli is associated with heat labile and heat stable toxins?

Learn about the NEHA Foodborne Illness Exam. Prepare with quizzes and questions focusing on key topics. Understand food safety procedures, regulations, and hazards to pass the test successfully.

EnteroTOXIGENIC Escherichia coli (ETEC) is recognized for producing both heat labile (LT) and heat stable (ST) toxins. These toxins play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ETEC, which is a common cause of traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea in developing countries. The heat labile toxin is similar in function to the cholera toxin and works by increasing cyclic AMP in the intestinal cells, leading to increased secretion of water and electrolytes, resulting in watery diarrhea. In contrast, the heat stable toxin activates guanylate cyclase, also resulting in increased intestinal secretion but through a different mechanism.

The other strains mentioned do not produce both types of toxins in the same way. EnteroHEMORRHAGIC Escherichia coli (EHEC) primarily causes illness through the production of Shiga toxin, leading to bloody diarrhea and potential complications. EnteroPATHOGENIC Escherichia coli (EPEC) does not produce these toxins but instead adheres to the intestinal lining causing disease. EnteroINVASIVE Escherichia coli (EIEC) invades the intestinal cells but does not produce heat labile or heat stable toxins. Therefore, ETEC's

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