Enterocyte effacement is a process where certain pathogenic bacteria cause the loss of microvilli on intestinal epithelial cells, leading to attaching and effacing lesions. This disrupts normal intestinal function and can result in diarrhea.
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Enterocyte effacement is primarily associated with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island contains genes essential for the formation of attaching and effacing lesions.
The type III secretion system is used by these bacteria to inject effector proteins into host cells, facilitating enterocyte effacement.
Intimin is an important bacterial adhesion molecule involved in intimate attachment to the enterocytes during the effacement process.
Loss of microvilli due to enterocyte effacement leads to malabsorption of nutrients and contributes to diarrheal symptoms.
Review Questions
Which types of E. coli are commonly associated with enterocyte effacement?
What role does the type III secretion system play in the process of enterocyte effacement?
How does enterocyte effacement contribute to diarrhea?
Related terms
Microvilli: Finger-like projections on epithelial cells that increase surface area for absorption.
Pathogenicity Island: A distinct class of genomic islands acquired by microorganisms through horizontal gene transfer containing clusters of genes for virulence.
Type III Secretion System: A needle-like protein appendage used by some bacteria to inject toxins directly into host cells.