What is a major effect of enterotoxins on the human body?

Enterotoxins are a specific type of toxin produced by certain bacteria, particularly those that cause gastrointestinal infections, such as some strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These toxins primarily affect the intestinal tract, leading to significant disturbances in the normal absorption and secretion processes of the gut.

The major effect of enterotoxins on the human body is the induction of diarrhea. This occurs because enterotoxins stimulate the secretion of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen, overwhelming the absorption capacity of the intestines. This mechanism often results in copious watery diarrhea, which is a common symptom in infections caused by enterotoxigenic bacteria. The diarrhea may also be accompanied by abdominal cramps and nausea, but the hallmark characteristic is the excessive and often painful watery stool production.

Other listed effects, such as causing fever, inducing respiratory distress, or triggering skin reactions, are typically associated with different types of toxins or pathogenic mechanisms. For example, fever and chills are more commonly associated with pyrogenic toxins, while respiratory distress is linked to other pathogens or their toxins not typically classified as enterotoxins. Skin reactions mainly involve different kinds of toxins, such as those produced by pathogens causing systemic infections or dermatologic conditions.