Enniatin B is a fungal metabolite categorized as cyclohexa depsipeptides toxin produced by the fungus Fusarium. This strain of fungus is one of the most common cereal contaminants.

Enniatin B1 (ENN B1) is a type of mycotoxin—a toxic compound produced by certain molds, most often species of Fusarium. These molds can contaminate grains, cereals, and other plant-based foods, especially when crops are stored in warm or humid conditions. ENN B1 belongs to a group of related toxins called enniatins, which are considered “emerging mycotoxins” because they are not yet routinely regulated but are increasingly recognized for their potential health effects.

A moderate level of Enniatin B1 (ENN B1) in urine indicates recent dietary or environmental exposure to Fusarium mold toxins at levels above normal background, but not in the high or concerning range. This often reflects regular intake of contaminated grains or cereals, or exposure to foods stored in warm, humid, or poorly ventilated conditions. While moderate levels are not usually linked to acute toxicity, they may contribute to your overall toxic burden and could play a role in digestive issues, fatigue, or lowered immunity, especially when combined with other mycotoxins. Reducing consumption of suspect foods, improving storage practices, and supporting detoxification pathways may help bring levels down and protect long-term health.

Entamoeba coli are intestinal amebae that are found in the large intestine. They generally are not considered pathogenic. However, when these amebae are found in stool samples it can indicate the presence of other potentially pathogenic organisms.

Epidemiology:

→ Fecal contamination of ingested foods or water

→ Pets may be a source of exposure

→ Sexual contact may be a source of exposure

Clinical Implications:

→ Symptoms include diarrhea, fulminating colitis (resembling ulcerative colitis), and dysentery

→ Extreme cases may invade liver and lung tissues

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that infects an estimated 34 to 50 million people per year worldwide, and kills 100,000 individuals annually. The disease caused by E. histolytica, amebiasis, is common in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions but is also endemic in the US with the prevalence of E. histolytica infection estimated to be 4%. The most common clinical manifestation of infection with E. histolytica is amoebic diarrhea without dysentery; however, more severe cases can result in amoebic dysentery, which is diarrhea with mucous and visible or microscopic blood, severe abdominal pain, fever, and elevated fecal lysozyme. Occasional asymptomatic carriage is possible.

E. histolytica invasion may contribute to T-helper-2 bias and antibody production particularly against E. histolytica lectins and their association with tissue antigens such as phospholipids, actin and ANCA. By penetrating the intestinal tissues, E. histolytica is able to disturb tight junction assemblies, thereby opening the intestinal tight junctions and putting the body at risk for autoimmunity. Once in the bloodstream, E. histolytica may trigger autoimmunity against neurological or bone tissues, due to its homology with gangliosides and skeletal actin.

Entamoeba histolytica is a disease-causing parasite that can affect anyone, although it is more common in those who lived or travelled in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Diagnosis can be difficult since, under a microscope, it looks similar to other parasites such as Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba hartmanii. The latter two parasites generally do not cause illness.

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are quite heterogeneous category of an emerging enteric pathogen associated with cases of acute or persistent diarrhea worldwide in children and adults, and over the past decade has received increasing attention as a cause of watery diarrhea, which is often persistent. EAEC infection is an important cause of diarrhea in outbreak and non-outbreak settings in developing and developed countries. Recently, EAEC has been implicated in the development of irritable bowel syndrome, but this remains to be confirmed. 

E. cloaceae is a Gram-negative, nonspore-forming, enteric bacilli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceaefamily. Enterobacteriaceae are not considered primary human pathogens, but are capable of causing opportunistic infections.

Enterobacter have a ubiquitous environmental distribution (trees, plants, crops, soil, water, and foods). They are also part of the normal flora of the GI tract. It can also be a common nosocomial infection.

Enterobacter’s ability to form biofilms and to secrete various cytotoxins, such as enterotoxins and hemolysins, contribute to its pathogenicity.

Most patients with an E. cloaceae infection are asymptomatic. However, when present, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Enterobacter cloacae complex is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family. E cloacae complex is a group of six closely related species with similar resistance patterns:

E. cloacae, E. asburiae, E. hormaechei, E. kobei, E. ludwigii, and E. nimipressuralis.