Development of New Diagnostic Options for enteroaggregative Escherichia coli as an important diarrheal pathogen

Entero-aggregative E. coli (EAEC) causes persistent diarrhea in children from endemic areas, incl. large regions in Latin America, as well as persistent diarrhea in HIV patients, and is an important causative agent of traveler's diarrhea. Although EAEC has been associated with diarrhea, it has been difficult to determine the specific mechanisms of EAEC pathogenicity, which has made assessments of the clinical relevance of this microorganism difficult. Accordingly, there is a strong need for improved understanding of the role of EAEC during diarrheal disease and the further development of diagnostic and typing approaches for EAEC