In: Biology
EnteroPathogenic E. coli (EPEC) cause diarrhea by altering the uptake of NaCl by intestines. This is acheived by altering the activity of sodium/hydrogen exchangers (NHEs). The NHE1 and NHE3 are isoforms and altered NHE3 activity is involved in fluid imbalance and increase the infection. The endotoxin produced by EPEC is injected by type III secreted proteins called Map EspF and EspG that disrupt the ion transport. Low sodium absorption causes the fluid to accumulate in lumen instead of fluid binding into blood stream. The accumulated fluid due to mistargeted aquaporins in lumen alter the water transport and results in profuse diarrhea.