This document is a comprehensive review article from the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, focusing on Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC). The review explores the various pathotypes of DEC, including enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC/STEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), detailing their virulence mechanisms, preferential host colonization sites, and the clinical symptoms they cause. It delves into the epidemiology and diagnosis of these pathotypes, highlighting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the acquisition of virulence determinants. The review provides detailed information on the virulence factors, mechanisms, and pathogenesis of typical and atypical EPEC, including the role of the EPEC adherence factor (EAF) plasmid, bundle-forming pilus (BFP), and the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) region. The study also touches upon the role of DEC infections in public health, especially among children in developing countries, and emphasizes the need for further research to better understand and combat these diarrheal illnesses.
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