Shigellosis and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)
Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are two of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhea worldwide, and, together, they account for about one billion cases of diarrhea annually. Insufficient data exist, but conservative estimates suggest that, combined, Shigella and ETEC are responsible for the deaths of approximately 500,000 children under the age of five each year. Shigellosis and illness from ETEC usually follow the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Shigella can also be transferred by person-to-person contact. ETEC can usually be treated through rehydration therapy, and both Shigella and ETEC can be treated with antibiotics, although the rate of resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics is on the rise for Shigella. Currently, no licensed vaccines targeting Shigella or ETEC exist; however, vaccines against both bacteria are in development.
More about shigellosis and ETEC | View resources on shigellosis and ETEC
Key resources
Bacterial Diarrhea (2009)
An article that provides a description of bacterial diarrhea and evidence supporting various strategies to combat this problem.
Analysis of Data Gaps Pertaining to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Infections in Low and Medium Human Development Index Countries, 1984-2005(2008)
An article that examines both population- and facility-based studies of ETEC infections and highlights the need for additional studies and a standard molecular definition of ETEC infection.
Diarrhoea: Why Children Are Still Dying and What Can Be Done (2009)
A report that focuses attention on the prevention and management of diarrheal diseases.
Featured PATH resources
The Case for Investment in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Vaccines (2011)
A market assessment that aims to increase the awareness of biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies worldwide about the opportunities and potential markets
that exist for low-cost and effective vaccines against ETEC.
Developing New Vaccines Against
Diarrheal Disease (2011)
A fact sheet that highlights PATH's
work to develop safe, effective, and affordable vaccines against Shigella and ETEC.
Page last updated: October 2011.
