Antibodies to heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin in Apaches in Whiteriver, Arizona.

Antitoxin titers to heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin were measured in Apache children hospitalized with acute diarrhea and in Apaches of different age groups without diarrhea in Whiteriver, Ariz. The study suggests that in this locale, exposure to enterotocigenic E. coli is probably widespread and occurs early in life. Antitoxin titer rises after diarrheal disease associated with enterotocigenic E. coli infection, however, were not regulary found.