Therapeutics and Vaccines Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract

Diarrheagenic E. coli continues to be an important pathogen causing significant illness in animals and humans. Despite the fact that considerable investigations have been done following the initial discovery of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), there are currently no available licensed and broadly protective, ETEC nor EHEC vaccines. The significant, yet unsuccessful efforts in obtaining a vaccine candidate have provided important information on strategies to consider in future formulations. There are now new promising vaccine candidates based on this pioneering work, even though they have not generated successful vaccines. This chapter is focused on outstanding findings and their impact in human public health.