Immunology of Enteric Pathogens Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli

From the moment of birth the human gastrointestinal tract is assaulted daily with bacterial organisms; the lower ileum and colon are permanently and heavily colonized with bacterial flora. Certain bacteria when ingested have the ability to cause enteric disease; these include Shigella, Salmonella, and certain Escherichia coli. In this chapter the virulence properties and pathogenetic mechanisms of these agents will be discussed as well as their interaction with the host and the host’s defenses.