Treatment and prevention of enterotoxigenic escherichia coli diarrhoeas

Abstract

method of neturalising LT toxin produced by ETEC bacteria with a receptor mimic chosen from the group consisting of Galß[1→4]Glc-, Gal&bgr; [1→4]GlcNAc&bgr; [1→3]Gal&bgr;[1→4]Glc-, and GalNAc&bgr; [1→>4](NeuSAc&agr;[2→3])Gal&bgr;[1→4]Glc&bgr;-. ETEC bacteria are common in travellers diarrhea and thus the method is useful particularly as a preventative measure for travellers intending to go to destinations in which diarrhea is common. Similarly ETEC bacteria are a common cause of scours, particularly in weanling piglets and calves. The receptor mimics can be incorporated into drinking water or feed for these animals.