Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC or EAggEC) infection is a cause of traveler's diarrhea and persistent watery diarrhea in young children and patients infected with HIV. EAEC adheres to the small intestine via aggregative adherence fimbriae. The adherent rods resemble stacked bricks and result in shortening of microvilli. Approximately 40% of EAEC strains produce a heat-stable toxin, EAST1.
