Enteropathogenic E. coli causes-

MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) is a major bacterial cause of diarrheal diseases.
It is particularly known for causing outbreaks of infantile diarrhea in children younger than 2 years old.
The primary pathogenic mechanism involves tight adherence to intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes).
This adherence leads to the destruction (effacement) of microvilli, which disrupts the normal absorptive function of the intestines, resulting in watery diarrhea.

Option A: Giardiasis is an intestinal infection, but it is caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia, not the bacterium E. coli.
Option B: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, including the intestine, though it does not cause the type of acute diarrhea associated with EPEC.
Option D: Listeriosis is a serious foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. While it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, it is more known for causing invasive illness like meningitis and sepsis, especially in pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

Visual 1: Diagram - Pathogenesis of EPEC infection. A diagram showing EPEC bacteria attaching to an intestinal enterocyte and causing the effacement (flattening) of the microvilli.
Visual 2: Table - Comparison of Diarrheagenic E. coli. A table summarizing the key features, toxins, and clinical syndromes of EPEC, ETEC, EHEC, EIEC, and EAEC.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of diarrheal diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying the specific cause of diarrhea is crucial for appropriate management. While most infectious diarrhea is self-limiting, certain pathogens require specific treatments or precautions.
For example, antibiotic use in EHEC infections is generally avoided as it can increase the risk of developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication.
Nursing care for patients with infectious diarrhea focuses on preventing dehydration through oral or intravenous rehydration, monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, and implementing infection control measures (e.g., hand hygiene, contact precautions) to prevent transmission.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of microbiology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Enteropathogenic E. coli' (EPEC).
Recall the classification of E. coli strains that cause intestinal disease. The prefix 'entero-' points towards the intestines.
Evaluate the options provided. 'Diarrhoea' is a direct symptom of intestinal disease.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their specific causative agents: Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia), Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes).
Confirm that EPEC is one of the primary bacterial causes of diarrhea, especially in infants, to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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