Virulence factors of entericEscherichia coliin young Aboriginal children in north-west Australia

Abstract

EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) were the most frequently identified enteric pathogens associated with diarrhoea in 0–5 year old Aboriginal children in tropical north-west Australia with an incidence similar to those from other tropical regions. Heat-stable toxin-producing (ST + ) strains were associated with diarrhoea throughout the year but heat-labile toxin-producing (LT + ) strains were more important in the monsoonal summer season. ST + strains were commonest in children with diarrhoea between 6 and 18 months of age while LT + strains were associated with diarrhoea in children aged 18–24 months. VerotoxigenicE. coli(VTEC) which produced VT1, but not VT2, and enteroadherent (EAF + )E. coliwere significant causes of diarrhoea, mainly in children below 18 months but without a seasonal pattern.