Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium at a magnification by scanning electron microscope

A single Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium at an extremely high magnification by scanning electron microscope. This bacterium is a member of the strain, 0:169 H41 ETEC (Enterotoxigenic E. coli). Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, or ETEC, is an important cause of bacterial diarrheal illness. Infection with ETEC is the leading cause of travelers' diarrhea and a major cause of diarrheal disease in underdeveloped nations, especially among children. ETEC is transmitted by food or water contaminated with animal or human feces. Although ETEC causes a significant amount of illness worldwide, the infection will end on its own and is rarely life-threatening. Escherichia colii is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of humans and other animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause disease. Disease-causing E. coli are grouped according to the different ways by which they cause illness. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, or ETEC, is the name given to a group