Archives

Page No. : 121-136

ABSTRACT

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) encompasses a group of E. coli pathotypes responsible for intestinal disease(s) in humans and animals. These pathotypes, including enteropathogenic (EPEC), Shiga toxin-producing or enterohemorrhagic (STEC/EHEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteroaggregative (EAEC), enteroinvasive (EIEC), and diffusely adherent (DAEC), are the leading causes of foodborne illnesses globally. DEC infections range from mild self-limiting diarrhoea to severe cases of haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), with young children particularly at risk. Zoonotic transmission plays an important role in the epidemiology of DEC, as many strains, particularly EHEC, circulate in animal reservoirs, such as cattle, and are transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or direct contact. Documented outbreaks, including the 1993 E.coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to undercooked beef and the 2011 O104:H4 epidemic associated with contaminated sprouts, illustrate the substantial public health threat posed by zoonotic DEC. This review provides a comprehensive overview of DEC pathotypes and their zoonotic potential, transmission pathways between humans, animals, and the environment, and clinical manifestations observed in both human and animal hosts. This review also highlights recent advances in the detection of DEC (multiplex PCR and genomic surveillance), new insights into pathogenesis and evolution (virulence gene acquisition and pathogenic hybrid strains), and the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance. The heightened risk of DEC in rural communities is discussed, considering factors such as close human-animal contact, inadequate sanitation, and limited awareness. Finally, this review outlines current and prospective strategies for prevention and control, spanning on-farm biosecurity, food safety measures, surveillance programs, vaccine development, and public health education to mitigate DEC infections and protect both consumer health and rural livelihoods.

Keywords: Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli, foodborne pathogens, food safety, pathotype-specific virulence, zoonotic transmission