How E. coli germs cause severe diarrhea and long-term gut damage
Molecular Pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic E. coli associated enteropathy
This work is learning how enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and their toxins damage the small intestine in children and adults exposed in high-risk areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are studying the specific toxins and molecular steps ETEC use to trigger diarrhea and change the small bowel. They combine laboratory experiments on the bacteria and their toxins with studies of intestinal tissue or samples linked to environmental enteric dysfunction and tropical sprue. The team aims to connect those molecular findings to the malnutrition, stunting, and impaired growth often seen after repeated infections. Their work may include samples or data from affected children and adults as well as laboratory models to understand how damage occurs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this research include children in low-resource settings with repeated diarrheal illness or signs of environmental enteric dysfunction and adults with chronic gut problems linked to repeated ETEC exposure.
Not a fit: Patients whose diarrhea is caused by non-ETEC pathogens or by non-infectious conditions probably would not see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat ETEC infections and reduce diarrhea-related malnutrition and stunting in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have clarified some ETEC toxin mechanisms and supported vaccine research, but linking molecular findings to effective prevention or treatments remains an ongoing challenge.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleckenstein, James Michael — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fleckenstein, James Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.